3 ex-Cleveland Guardians who could return and round out the roster

Corey Kluber

I’ve written about Corey Kluber being re-signed before, and the reasons remain the same. The difference is the need may be more than previously thought. Kluber is no longer an Ace, nor is he aging as well as Justin Verlander. Kluber can still be a good fourth or fifth option, however. Not only that but the Guardians have been known to rehab players and turn them into better versions of themselves.

Granted, some of those names like Kevin Millwood are a bit older than most would like for this to be relevant but the key figure in Millwood’s rejuvenation in 2005 is the same man here today; Carl Willis. Willis can get the best out of pitchers historically and is walking proof of that. If the 61-year-old stays put and Kluber comes back, he may be able to unlock a second act for the former Cy Young winner.

But Kluber now may not be a luxury item. There are rumors whipping around about Zach Plesac getting dealt, and while he’s not the pitcher he once was, Plesac provided depth. The Guardians have an impressive array of arms to pull from in the minors but they might not be ready.

Kluber can come in for a year or two and help give the younger arms time to develop into the aces they can possibly become.