Guardians' Holiday Wishlist: Impact Bats & Bullpen Depth

With the 2026 season in sight, the Cleveland Guardians are actively seeking to address their offensive shortcomings, having finished 28th in the league in runs scored. Executives have emphasized the need for improvement, signaling a potential shift in strategy to acquire impact bats. While free agency offers some options, the team's spending habits suggest trades might be a more likely route for significant offensive upgrades.

Jorge Polanco emerges as a key target, offering switch-hitting capabilities and a projected offensive rate 14% better than league average, with strong recent performance metrics. Other potential offensive acquisitions include Ryan O'Hearn for his consistent hitting or former organization members like Willi Castro. The Guardians are also considering outfield platoon partners and center fielders, evaluating varying degrees of appeal and risk among available players.

On the pitching front, the Guardians are looking for bullpen depth as several relievers are unavailable. While they likely won't pursue top-tier free agents like Edwin Díaz, affordable and effective options like Tyler Rogers and Kyle Finnegar are being considered. The team also sees potential in injured pitchers who could offer value upon return, positioning Cleveland as a viable rehab destination.