Processing the Guardians Offseason
Reacting to a Jason Lloyd article
It sounds like the Guardians might be mostly done adding to the roster for 2024.
Jason Lloyd released an article for the Athletic that seems to indicate the Guardians are mostly done with significant moves for the offseason. Because, you know, pitching is more expensive than expected, a TV deal isn't finalized, and they don't want to block Will Brennan and Triston McKenzie. Oh, also, there won't be GuardsFest this year or next so no need to even think about the Guardians until after Valentine's Day. Thanks for the best year of attendance since 2018, fans!
With the sarcastic asides and cynicism out of the way, I find myself somewhat content to enter 2025 with the roster as it currently is. Provided a few things are true:
1. The team needs to be truly aggressive in filling any roster holes that arise in July. Do not hold back on prospects or money. Get whatever pieces you need to help you secure a playoff spot.
2. The team needs to be aggressive with their best prospects. Give Juan Brito and Chase DeLauter legitimate chances to make the team in Spring Training. Stop forcing Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman and Will Brennan down our throats just to make absolutely sure there is no excess value to be squeezed from those stones. If any of them can legitimately beat out their younger competitors in Spring Training (and I am speaking of the workouts, backfield competition, and evidence of offseason work not game results), fine. But stop with the stupid service-time games; if your best option is a rookie, start him Opening Day. And let's not have the whole "Bazzana could be an option this summer" be the usual PR balogna. If he's showing he's ready and better than any other second-base options, bring him up after the all-star break, future years of control be darned. Just extend him if that's a concern.
3. Realize that the game has changed. Dolan once said the day the team would give out $300 million deals would be the day other teams are giving out a billion dollars to a free agent. Well, Juan Soto just got $765 million, so maybe you're gonna have to consider getting to $200 million in a deal to help enhance your team's chances at ending a 76 year drought. Be sure to watch which players signed for even $80-150M make significant impacts on their team and know that could be us.
It is what it is. I promised myself I wouldn't expect much this offseason and re-signing Bieber is more than what I thought they'd do. And I like Luis Ortiz. So, let's ride. Bring on Spring Training.