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Proposed Guardians trade sees Cleveland land $12 million 1.025 OPS All-Star to upgrade from Rhys Hoskins, Kyle Manzardo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Guardians have had a great start to the 2026 season, with a record of 10-7 and first in the AL Central. However, aside from Chase DeLauter and a couple other hitters, their team is off to a cold start.
With that in mind, the Guards should probably look for a hitter that can bring consistent offense to their lineup. Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea proposes the Guards find their answer in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for All-Star Yandy Diaz, who could serve as a massive upgrade at first base and DH.
MORE: Proposed Yankees trade sees New York finally part ways with Jasson Dominguez, land $4.2 million 1.024 OPS All-Star having breakout season
The trade would look like this:
Guardians get: 1B Yandy Diaz
Rays get: CLE No. 6 prospect RHP Khal Stephen, CLE No. 9 prospect RHP Joey Oakie
“From the Guardians’ perspective, this trade for Yandy Díaz is driven by both competitive timing and a clear roster need…A key motivation is the production at first base. Both Rhys Hoskins and Kyle Manzardo have struggled to lock down consistent production, leaving a noticeable gap in the middle of the lineup. Díaz gives them a major upgrade at that spot with elite contact skills, high on-base ability, and steady run production. Even without massive home run totals, his profile fits perfectly into a lineup that values getting on base and manufacturing runs,” Shea wrote.
MORE: Yankees trade idea sees New York finally replace Anthony Volpe with $3.3 million 1.074 OPS star slugger
So far this season, Diaz is slashing .362/.456/.569/1.025 with one double, one triple, three home runs and 13 RBI in 15 games. He doesn’t necessarily have a lot of power, but he gets on base, and he pushes in runs consistently, and that’s something Cleveland needs.
As for his contract, it’s very attractive to a mid-market team like the Guards. He’s set to make $12 million this season, he has a 500 plate appearance conditional club option for $10 million next year, and his market value calls for a two year, $34 million extension.
Hopefully, the Guards see what a good deal this could be, and what Diaz brings to the table. If they want to win the division, getting him should be a top priority.
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