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The Cleveland Guardians are facing a pressing need to boost their run-scoring capabilities.
A key area of focus is acquiring experienced, right-handed outfielders to strengthen their lineup.
To enhance their offensive prowess, they have two main options.
The Guardians can either delve into the free-agent market or explore potential trades.
Historically, Cleveland tends to favor trades as their main strategy for upgrading their roster.
To achieve significant improvements, they might have to consider trading some of their own prized players.
To improve, the Guardians may have to include their own valued players in trades.
That will be difficult to navigate.
And for fans to accept.
Here are ideas for players to trade in Cleveland’s quest to improve their offense:
Cleveland Guardians’ Steven Kwan (38) watches his double hit during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the American League Wild Card baseball playoff series against the Detroit Tigers in Cleveland, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Steven Kwan-LF-Age 28-Bats Left-5-8, 170 pounds-$4.18M salary
Kwan has two more years of salary arbitration before he can become a free agent in 2028.
Kwan was a Gold Glove recipient in his first three years, and is likely to win one this year.
An All Star in 2024. and 2025, Kwan is among the best leadoff hitters in the game.
With a keen eye at the plate, and excellent plate discipline, Kwan takes pitchers deep in counts, giving his teammates good looks at the pitcher.
While Kwan may try to increase his home run production, the fact remains he is a superb line-drive, contact hitter, capable of using the entire field.
Kwan has been less productive in the second half of seasons, which could hamper his trade value.
It would not be popular to trade Kwan, but he is clearly their best trade option for improving an underproductive offense.
Kwan might be able to fetch a quality hitter on his own, or become the focal point of a blockbuster trade.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 20: Logan Allen #26 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of game two of a doubleheader at Target Field on September 20, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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Logan Allen-LHP-Age 27-6-0, 190 pounds
Allen can’t become a free agent until 2030, which gives his team years of salary control.
That’s attractive to Cleveland. But it will be very attractive to almost every team in MLB.
A lefty with improving command and control, Allen is emerging as a consistent, reliable starter.
The Guardians also have Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo as potential left-handed starters, which could make Allen expendable in the right trade.
In 2025, he was 8-11, with a 4.25 ERA, and 1.39 WHIP in 30 games, and 29 starts covering 156.2 innings.
AKRON, OHIO – AUGUST 24, 2025: Ralphy Velazquez #30 of the Akron RubberDucks celebrates with teammates after scoring on a single hit by Wuilfredo Antunez during the fourth inning against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Canal Park on August 24, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
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Ralphy Velazquez-1B/LF-Age 20-Bats Left-6-3, 240 pounds
Velazquez is the No. 9 ranked Cleveland prospect.
A former 1st round draft pick, Velazquez has outstanding upside, with power potential.
In 2025, Velazquez played at Class-A Advanced Lake County, and Double-A Akron. He hit a combined .265/.342/.497/.839, with 28 doubles, nine triples, 22 home runs, and 85 RBIs in 544 plate appearances.
It would be very difficult to give up a player with the upside and potential of Velazquez.
However, Cleveland has Kyle Manzardo, C.J. Kayfus, and Jhonkensey Noel as potential first basemen.
It will likely take a plater with the upside of Velazquez to fetch a quality veteran, right-handed outfielder.
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 20: Juan Brito #74 of the Cleveland Guardians poses for a portrait during Cleveland Guardians photo day at Goodyear Ballpark on February 20, 2025 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
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Juan Brito-INF-Age 24-Bats Both-6-0, 202 pounds
In November 2022, Brito was obtained from the Colorado Rockies in a trade for outfielder Nolan Jones.
Known as a solid hitting prospect with power from both sides of the plate, Brito is more challenged as a defensive infielder.
While Brito’s bat could certainly help Cleveland, at some point, the team will be adding 2024 overall No. 1 draft selection, Travis Bazzana to play second base.
Brito is best used as a second baseman, or designated hitter.
With Bryan Rocchio, Bazzana, and Gabriel Arias comprising their middle-infielders, there may be no room for Brito.
Daniel Schneemann is also an excellent defensive player, and he is outstanding in middle-infield roles.
Hurt for much of the 2025 season, the Guardians have requested a fourth option year for Brito, which would make him eligible to return to the minor leagues. That option would increase his trade value.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 26: Doug Nikhazy #65 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on during the third inning of his Major League debut in game two of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field on April 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
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Doug Nikhazy-LHP-Age 26-6-0, 210 pounds
A former 2nd round draft pick, Nikhazy made two appearances for Cleveland in 2025, starting one game.
Nikhazy is under team control, as he is yet to earn a spot on the big league roster.
Nikhazy is a promising lefty, and a pitcher with upside, and a bright future.
Nikhazy would be part of a package of players that could be attractive.
At Triple-A Columbus in 2025, Nikhazy went 5-7, with a 5.02 ERA, and 1.52 WHIP in 21 games, and 19 starts, covering 86 innings.
Other Trade Options:
The Guardians could choose to trade from among their major league middle-infield depth, and make Brayan Rocchio. Gabriel Arias, or Daniel Schneemann available in trade.
That would be surprising to this old scout.
Angel Martinez, a switch-hitter, may also be an attractive trade chip.
Conclusion:
If the Guardians wish to solve their offensive woes, they will have to introduce new right-handed players to their organization.
Right now, the minor league system is not ready to provide a new, fresh, pure right-handed hitter with consequential offensive upside.
