The Houston Astros are reportedly open to trading outfielder Jake Meyers, and the Cleveland Guardians should certainly be interested in making a deal.
It’s not a secret that the Cleveland Guardians need help in the outfield, coming off another lackluster season from the position group at the plate.
Sure, there are a couple of solid free-agent fits for Cleveland, but there could be a player on the trade market that the Guardians should, at the very least, check in about this offseason.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Monday that the Houston Astros could be willing to part ways with OF Jake Meyers in exchange for a starting pitcher with multiple years of team control.
Meyers would be a tremendous fit with the Guardians, and if a starting pitcher is all Houston is looking for, Cleveland could answer that asking price, too.
Starting with Meyers, he’s coming off a breakout season with the Astros, recording a .292/.354/.373 slash line. He only had an OPS of .727 and 15 doubles, but the outfielder's above-average plate discipline did work in his favor.
Meyers would also be an interesting trade candidate for the Guardians, given he’s a right-handed hitter, and Cleveland has a surplus of lefties on the roster as it is. The 29-year-old has a career .745 OPS against left-handed hitters during his career, which is exactly what the Guardians are looking for.
Sep 7, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers (6) looks on during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe Guardians shouldn’t be willing to part with a Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, or even Parker Messick to bring in Meyers, but if the Astros had interest in Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, or even prospect Doug Nikhazy, that could be an enticing deal for Cleveland to consider.
It is important to note that Meyers is only under team control for two more seasons, so he may not be in the Guardians' super long-term plans. Still adding him to the 2026 roster would immediately improve the overall team, and that’s what the front office must accomplish this offseason.
The last time the Guardians traded a pitcher to the Astros for their center fielder coming off a breakout year was in 2021, when Cleveland landed Myles Straw at the trade deadline.
Obviously, the Guardians went on to sign Straw to a contract extension, and even though he’s now playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland is still on the hook for some of his salary.
Perhaps Cleveland’s not-so-great recent trade history with the Astros could score them off, but given the Guardians are desperate for outfield help and right-handed hitting, it may be a risk worth taking to solve the team’s biggest need.