Fixing the Guardians outfield pop with two classic buy-low trade candidates

The Cleveland Guardians came into the 2026 season with a target on their back. They have won the American League Central the last two seasons and are looking to three-peat this year. 

They have put themselves right in the driver's seat to do so with their 54-48 record. While they have one more win than the Chicago White Sox, the Sox edge them out with their .530 win percentage. 

And with Munetaka Murakami back and the way the White Sox have been playing lately, Cleveland is going to have to be at its best to be crowned division champs when the regular season comes to a close. 

MORE: The Cleveland Guardians need to pass on any Francisco Lindor return

Fixing the Guardians outfield pop with two classic buy-low trade candidates

One thing the Guardians could use ahead of the deadline is a little more pop on offense. They just got Jose Ramirez back, which is great, but they needed more pop before he went down. 

It wouldn't hurt for them to look at the outfield market here. With their buy-low approach at the deadline in the past, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller figures Jo Adell or Mickey Moniak could be an excellent fit. 

"Jo Adell fits the bill for them. His slugging has plummeted 100 points from last year. However, he still has more home runs than Cleveland's top sluggers this season, they could use an outfielder with some pop and his contract situation should be agreeable, even to Cleveland. Mickey Moniak is in a similar boat, making $4M this season with one year of team control remaining, providing 15 home runs and replacement-level WAR."

Neither player would hurt the team too much financially, and they wouldn't cost Cleveland too much in terms of prospects, either. 

These aren't the flashiest players on the board, but they don't need to be. All they need to do is continue what they are doing if they are traded, and it will add to the Guardians' offense. 

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