3 Starting Pitchers Guardians Could Target This Offseason

The Cleveland Guardians will be entering a crucial offseason following an appearance in the American League Championship Series. 

Cleveland's front office has promised to increase payroll this offseason, which could benefit the team in 2027. One area of concern for the Guardians comes from the starting rotation, with the team needing to bring in arms.

Behind aces Gavin Williams and Parker Messick, the Guardians are fairly thin, and the front office has to address this. In the playoffs, Cleveland threw multiple bullpen games, showing a clear lack of trust in the guys on the roster.

So, as the offseason moves forward, the front office will have to make sure that they sign or trade for players who can make an impact in going after a World Series title. Here are three pitchers who could make sense for the Guardians this offseason:

1. Nick Pivetta, San Diego Padres

If the Guardians want to pick up a player with high upside, it's right-hander Nick Pivetta, who has spent the last few years with the San Diego Padres. Pivetta did deal with injuries this past season, but he was solid in the limited time on the mound, posting a 2.86 ERA in eight starts.

The right-hander was the Padres ace in 2025, recording a 2.87 ERA over 31 starts, giving the team a boost. If the Guardians could land Pivetta to put behind Williams and Messick, the team could be in very good shape next season.

2. Casey Mize, San Diego Padres

One name that has continued to be linked with Cleveland this offseason is right-hander Casey Mize. Mize spent time between the Detroit Tigers and Padres this season, seeing very different results take place.

With Detroit, Mize posted a 2.70 ERA over 16 starts, but with the Padres, something shifted, with the veteran recording a 7.46 ERA over 10 starts. However, the right-hander knows the AL Central very well, and Cleveland is familiar with him from his time with the Tigers.

3. Foster Griffin, Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians could always look to bring back left-hander Foster Griffin this winter, hoping he can return to form. Before being traded to Cleveland, Griffin was excellent for the Washington Nationals, posting a 3.06 ERA over 22 starts, throwing 129.1 innings of work. 

But once he got to the Guardians, the left-hander put up a 5.19 ERA over nine starts, throwing 43.1 innings. Even with this, the two sides know each other well from their time together, and they both could benefit from a reunion this offseason.