Will Guardians be buyers or sellers at MLB trade deadline? Who could be on the move?

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6 days ago

Baseball can be a funny sport.
The Cleveland Guardians have been a paradoxical team lately. Over a recent 10-game span, they had arguably the best pitching staff in baseball. That's good! But they also had the worst offense in the league. That's bad, and it can't be argued against!
It resulted in a 10-game losing streak that sent them tumbling down the standings in both the divisional and wild card playoff races. The last loss during that streak was a brutal, back-breaking defeat to the Detroit Tigers that might have resulted in a few broken TVs around Northeast Ohio.
Then the Guardians went to Houston and beat the Astros (including Cy Young contender Hunter Brown) in two games while averaging 8.5 runs in the process.
It was perhaps a glimmer of hope for the 2025 season and the Guardians' standing as a fringe playoff contender, but the 10-game skid could end up having bigger consequences in a few weeks with the trade deadline looming.
Cleveland Guardians 2025 MLB Trade deadline preview
The Guardians (42-48) have fallen 5.5 games out of a wild card spot, which isn't insurmountable, but they're also looking up at six teams they'd need to overtake for the final playoff spot in the AL. It isn't an advantageous scenario, and it's possible it'll be enough to push the Guardians into being sellers at the trade deadline as teams look to poach a few attainable pieces for their own playoff pushes.
If the Guardians can't make up serious ground over the next couple weeks, here's who could be on the trading block at the deadline. And as president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti has repeatedly said in the past, the Guardians will always at least answer the phone and listen.
Shane Bieber
Maybe Shane Bieber won't throw a pitch for the Guardians this season at all. He is one of the most intriguing players who could be moved at the deadline this season.
He's still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and a recent setback that pushed his return date back a bit. He might not be ready for a major league mound until early August, which means opposing teams would have to pay close attention to any rehab assignments he can log in the second half of July. It'll be a bit of a gamble for any team acquiring him, which brings into question what the return value for Bieber would be.
He's also a former Cy Young winner who looked terrific in his last two starts — but those were at the beginning of last season. They're also the only two outings he's pitched in roughly two calendar years.
But, hey, the Guardians acquired Alex Cobb at last year's deadline when he hadn't yet pitched that season, so it isn't unheard of.
Bieber also has a player option in his deal for 2026 valued at $16 million. It seems unlikely he'll opt in, which means as of now, the Guardians would be on the hook for the $4 million buyout.
Carlos Santana
There might not be much of a market for Carlos Santana, but if the Guardians fall out of the race there's also not much reason for him to remain in Cleveland. He's 39 and a good defensive first baseman, but his offensive production has slowed down after a great start this season.
Santana being moved would also further clear the way for prospect C.J. Kayfus to be called up.
Lane Thomas
Lane Thomas hasn't done much to help his stock, struggling through what has been a disappointing 2025. He's also dealt with a nagging plantar fasciitis issue that might be a real concern for prospective teams.
But quite a few playoff teams could use a depth outfielder who can hit lefties, and the entire league remembers his grand slam off Tigers ace Tarik Skubal that sent the Guardians to the ALCS last October.
And as a pending free agent, the Guardians would be incentivized to move him now.
Emmanuel Clase
Here's the biggest situation to follow: could the Guardians move Emmanuel Clase one year after his historic season?
Relievers are always near the top of the to-do list for contenders at the trade deadline. Clase being added to a contender's bullpen could shift the playoff picture.
He hasn't been quite as dominant, but he's been rock solid since May 1 after a rocky start this season, and he's under club control through 2028 at below-market value after a well-timed (for the Guardians) contract extension. Clase's deal includes palatable yearly salaries and club options.
That advantageous contract situation means the Guardians hold all the cards — and the ability to be patient if they choose. They could move him now, but it might take an offer that blows them out of the water.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians MLB trade deadline preview: Who could be dealt if they sell?