There have been times this season where the Cleveland Guardians have looked like both an elite team in the American League and a team that could be on the outside looking in of a Wild Card spot when all 162 games have been played.

That makes it difficult to project how the team will operate at the trade deadline. However, with the deadline just under a month away, here are three early predictions for what moves the Guardians could make. 

As of right now, the division and the American League as a whole are up in the air. 

The Guardians showed earlier in the season that they have the potential to make some noise in the playoffs, but still need another big bat or two in the middle of the lineup to truly solidify themselves as contenders. 

Trading for a proven big-league bat is exactly what this team needs, and with the front office demonstrating some aggressiveness in other areas this season, it wouldn’t be a shock whatsoever to see them  

Cleveland doesn’t typically make a splash on the trade front, but the front office still has a history of adding impactful under-the-radar players. 

A move like adding Jay Bruce in 2017, Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes in 2019, or Lane Thomas in 2024 feels like a very realistic prediction, given where the Guardians are a month before the deadline. 

The strength of Cleveland’s pitching staff has been the backbone of the team’s success so far this year. Unfortunately, starting depth isn’t on the Guardians' side, and Cleveland’s bullpen has been heavily taxed by all the close games they’ve played.

Adding another arm would be a wise choice for Cleveland, simply as a just-in-case option. 

A veteran swingman such as Zack Littell, who has appeared in 18 games this season, with 12 of those being starts, or Steven Matz, would be a smart trade target for the Guardians.

The first two predictions have to do with the Guardians adding, and if the team is going to be buyers at the deadline, they obviously need to give up something of value, too.

If this proves to be the case, Cleveland could part ways with one or two of its top prospects to upgrade the big-league roster.  

Right now, two realistic prospect trade candidates for the Guardians are Angel Genao and Cooper Ingle. Cleveland’s future infield appears set, which could leave Genao as an odd man out, and Ingle’s struggles in the outfield could make him a trade target for teams looking for a catcher.

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