Guardians' 'most untouchable' player may not be who you think it is

The Cleveland Guardians are one team that you can never count out. No matter how their roster looks, they always seem to play their hardest throughout the entire season, and that is no different this year. 

They have come out with a 27-22 record to start the year, which puts them firmly in first place in the American League Central. They hold a two-game lead over the charging Chicago White Sox. 

One of the reasons for the team's success this season has come from the pitching staff. The young starting staff has held its own this season, and the bullpen has been able to look the part. 

MORE: Guardians' Kyle Manzardo lost a popup in the sun while his sunglasses were on his hat

Guardians' 'most untouchable' player may not be who you think it is

Gavin Williams has started the season out strong, holding together a 6-3 record with a team-leading 73 strikeouts. He has emerged as the ace that the team thought they drafted back in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft. 

And according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, Williams is the "most untouchable" trade asset that the team has. 

"The early success of Chase DeLauter makes this an interesting debate, but Williams is a controllable frontline starter who has potentially still not reached his peak. The 26-year-old had a 2.18 ERA in 12 starts after the All-Star break last season, and he is now the clear ace of the staff in Cleveland."

Some may view DeLauter, who has gotten off to a fantastic start, as someone the team should stand clear of, but you can debate that either way. 

All in all, these are two players that Cleveland fans do not want to lose, and with their current status in the standings, they will likely be looking to add instead of subtract at the trade deadline. It would be hard to imagine that if they keep their status, they would look to lose one or two of these young stars for a rental player. 

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