Guardians Urged to Sign All-Star Starter This Offseason

The Cleveland Guardians are entering an interesting offseason, following an appearance in the American League Championship Series.

Cleveland was able to win the AL Central this season, but they just couldn't reach the World Series. As they enter the offseason, there are a few holes along the roster, as the front office needs to do some work.

As the team goes through the offseason, there are a few options that the Guardians can take to improve the roster. One of the bigger needs comes from the starting rotation, with Cleveland needing another arm.

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has urged the Guardians to go after right-hander Casey Mize to help solidify the starting rotation for next season. Mize would give the Guardians a player who has real upside, while giving the team a short-term deal due to his struggles late in the season.

Mize split time between the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres this season, following a mid-season trade. The right-hander was part of the Tigers fire sale at the trade deadline, and now he will be entering free agency.

With the Tigers, Mize was excellent, posting a 2.70 ERA over 16 starting, firing 86.2 innings, while striking out 85 batters. But with the Padres, something didn't work, with the right-hander struggling to find his footing.

Once he got to San Diego, Mize posted a 7.46 ERA over 10 starts, throwing 44.2 innings, only striking out 25 batters. Something didn't click for him once he was traded, and it could very well impact his free agency.

But this could benefit a team like the Guardians, who need a player with tremendous upside like Mize. Cleveland doesn't typically spend heavy in free agency, and Mize could be one of the stronger options for the team.

In the playoffs, the Guardians threw multiple bullpen games, which ultimately limited what the team could do on the field. But Mize could offer this team a reliable starter who knows the AL Central well from his time in Detroit.

With Cleveland having Gavin Williams and Parker Messick at the top of the rotation, there is a need for a middle starter. Mize could fill that role for this team, giving them someone who could eat innings as well.

Overall, the right-hander makes a lot of sense for the Guardians to consider this offseason, but everything will come down to price for this group.