Guardians Linked With Former All-Star to Bolster Offense

The Cleveland Guardians are one of the more fascinating teams in baseball as the offseason gets started.

Cleveland reached the American League Championship Series, but they fell to the Tampa Bay Rays in six games. Now, the organization will try to put the pieces together for next year, trying to go even further.

The Guardians could use a little more offense for next season, with the bats going cold at different times during the year. Cleveland struck out a ton a year ago, but the team still found ways to put runs together.

One name that could make some sense for the Guardians is going after veteran Ty France, who spend last season with the San Diego Padres. France had a breakout year for San Diego, getting his career back on track.

MLB Trade Rumors mentioned Cleveland as a team that could use a bat like France for next season, linking the two together. The contract projection for the former All-Star came in at two years, $32 million, and this could be the sticking point for the Guardians.

If Cleveland's front office was willing to spend around this range, France could be an interesting option to consider. Everything for the Guardians comes down to money, and the willingness from the organization to spend.

Cleveland has seen one of the lowest payrolls in the sport, but the team has found ways to win on the field. But if the team were to add some more talent, potentially like France, it could change everything for the group.

With the Padres, France hit .295 with 21 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 37 walks drawn, while posting an OPS of .865. His power numbers increased this past season, fitting in well with the loaded lineup that San Diego had.

France has said that he would love to remain with the Padres, but that remains to be seen as the offseason continues. If the Guardians could poach him from San Diego, it could give the lineup more firepower, adding some extra pop for next season.

The veteran did well against both left-handers and right-handers, showing a complete package at the plate last season. But France has historically been good against lefties, which is an area that all teams need from players.

Overall, the Guardians may not want to spend as much as it may take to land someone like France this offseason. But if the front office were to change how its typically operated, it could allow Cleveland a stronger chance to finally get over the hump next season.