3 Royals trade targets who should interest Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians potential target: Salvador Perez

Fans are desperate for something to give at the catcher’s position, as the spot has virtually become an automatic out in the lineup.

The Guardians have the local media towing the company line about Austin Hedge’s and Luke Maile’s ability to handle the staff. I’d be willing to buy that if Myles Straw and Ernie Clement (against lefties) were two additional automatic outs when they’re penciled into the lineup.

Perez, 32, would bring power to the lineup, but not much else. He had an incredible 2021, blasting 48 bombs, but now he’s batting .211, way below his .267 career average. He does have 11 home runs, but even his slugging percentage (.426) is about 20 points lower than his career norm.

Can they get him? No, for one big reason, and that’s because the Guardians probably don’t want him.

While some of us want to see a title in our lifetime, the Guardians’ front office remains prudent. Adding Perez would be a financial disaster, as he has a bad contract that Cleveland probably wouldn’t be able to trade.

Plus, what’s the team selling this year? Youth. Well, Bo Naylor should be ready to make his debut sometime in 2023 which would make Perez even more of a burden.

Would Perez’s bat help this season? Big time. But forget it, it’s not happening.