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9 free agents that make sense for the Cleveland Guardians

By Chad Porto

Jun 19, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Michael Brantley (23) in the dugout prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Michael Brantley (23) in the dugout prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Gene J. Puskar/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Gene J. Puskar/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

Pitchers

Corey Kluber

Like Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber is looking like he’s about to take his swan song. It’d be great, in an ideal world, for Brantley and Kluber to return to Cleveland, retire and go into the team’s Hall of Fame without ever wearing another jersey. It seems unlikely for Brantley, as the team no longer has a need for him. Kluber, on the other hand, still has a fit in Cleveland he can fill. As a fifth starter, Kluber could still hurt teams, and with his playoff experience, the team may be able to rely on him. At least more so than a Zach Plesac type.

Andrew Heaney

Over his career, Andrew Heaney hasn’t exactly shown to be the most dominant of pitchers, but he’s also not been one whose been particularly expensive either. He had his best season at 31 years old and more than likely will have to take a pay cut, as teams aren’t as interested in overpaying for aging talent these days. Heaney could be the team’s fourth or fifth starter, and while he’s up and down historically with his ERA, he does have experience in both the rotation and the bullpen, and that’s invaluable.

Bryan Shaw

Unless Bryan Shaw retires, the Guardians should sign him back. I expect a lot of movement this offseason and could see Zach Plesac and/or Aaron Civale getting traded. If one or both are traded, then you’ll likely see Eli Morgan and/or Trevor Stephen be added to the rotation as both men were starters in the minors. That means there would be openings in the bullpen and who better to trot out than one of the greatest Guardians of all time?

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