- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,244,640
- Reaction score
- 59
If the Cleveland Guardians plan on being buyers at the MLB trade deadline, it's very clear what part of the roster they'll target to improve before Monday.
The Guardians are in desperate need of more pop in their lineup, specifically from the right side of the plate.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic gave an update on Cleveland's trade deadline plans and reported that the organization is indeed "in the market" for more right-handed hitting.
Not only did the MLB insider share that the Guardians are actually searching for some right-handed hitting to add to the lineup, but he even name-dropped one player who could potentially be on Cleveland's radar: Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward.
Ward has been a popular trade candidate among fans for years, dating back to his time with the Los Angeles Angels.
However, Cleveland isn't the only team looking for balance in its lineup. Other teams Rosenthal reported have expressed interest in the outfielder include the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers.
The big hurdle with a potential Ward trade, and something Rosenthal noted, is that it's still unclear whether or not the Orioles will end up being sellers before Monday.
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Taylor Ward (3) tosses his bat after walking in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Even though Baltimore hasn't been a huge postseason contender throughout the season, they're still only 2.5 games back of a spot in the Wild Card in the American League.
One good week for the Orioles could put them right back in the race. On the flip side, one bad week could take them out of the playoff picture altogether.
Whether it's the Guardians or another team in need of a right-handed hitter, it'll be interesting to see what team ends up acquiring and what they have to give up to do so.
Ward is undoubtedly one of the best right-handed hitting trade targets, but he's also on an expiring deal and is having a down season by his standards.
The 32-year-old's .732 OPS is on track to be his lowest since the 2020 season. Ward's bat speed has also been in steady decline over the last few seasons and ranks only in the 8th percentile this year.
Still, Ward's numbers against left-handed pitching remain strong, and for a team such as the Guardians, who need some more balance in their lineup, acquiring him could be the missing piece to make the playoffs.
Continue reading...
The Guardians are in desperate need of more pop in their lineup, specifically from the right side of the plate.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic gave an update on Cleveland's trade deadline plans and reported that the organization is indeed "in the market" for more right-handed hitting.
Not only did the MLB insider share that the Guardians are actually searching for some right-handed hitting to add to the lineup, but he even name-dropped one player who could potentially be on Cleveland's radar: Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward.
Ward has been a popular trade candidate among fans for years, dating back to his time with the Los Angeles Angels.
However, Cleveland isn't the only team looking for balance in its lineup. Other teams Rosenthal reported have expressed interest in the outfielder include the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers.
The big hurdle with a potential Ward trade, and something Rosenthal noted, is that it's still unclear whether or not the Orioles will end up being sellers before Monday.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Taylor Ward (3) tosses his bat after walking in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Even though Baltimore hasn't been a huge postseason contender throughout the season, they're still only 2.5 games back of a spot in the Wild Card in the American League.
One good week for the Orioles could put them right back in the race. On the flip side, one bad week could take them out of the playoff picture altogether.
Whether it's the Guardians or another team in need of a right-handed hitter, it'll be interesting to see what team ends up acquiring and what they have to give up to do so.
Ward is undoubtedly one of the best right-handed hitting trade targets, but he's also on an expiring deal and is having a down season by his standards.
The 32-year-old's .732 OPS is on track to be his lowest since the 2020 season. Ward's bat speed has also been in steady decline over the last few seasons and ranks only in the 8th percentile this year.
Still, Ward's numbers against left-handed pitching remain strong, and for a team such as the Guardians, who need some more balance in their lineup, acquiring him could be the missing piece to make the playoffs.
Continue reading...
