Guardians trade deadline wish-list revealed amid Rhys Hoskins problem

The Cleveland Guardians are likely looking to add at this year's trade deadline, with the team sitting 1.0 game back behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

To make up the ground and retake the division lead, the Guardians need to add some offensive firepower this summer. While there are plenty of spots they could upgrade, one position stands out.

As Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic note, the Guardians' trade deadline wish list might include a slugger who can fix their Rhys Hoskins problem. More specifically, they could target a right-handed-hitting first baseman.

Guardians could target RHH first baseman to fix Rhys Hoskins problem

"As the Guardians await the returns of third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Angel Martinez, a right-handed hitting first baseman could be on their wish list," Rosenthal and Sammon write.

Cleveland has scored just 368 runs this season, which is the second-fewest in Major League Baseball, ahead of only the San Diego Padres.

It's clear this team needs offensive help, and that's why adding a slugger by the August 3 trade deadline should be a top priority for Cleveland.

Looking around the roster, improving their first base production seems to be key. Specifically, replacing Hoskins' production would be a good place to start.

The 33-year-old right-handed hitting slugger has a .692 OPS this season and a 95 OPS+, making him a below league-average hitter this year. While he has nine homers and 31 RBIs, his -0.3 bWAR and lackluster offensive production are something to replace.

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Kyle Manzardo could factor into this decision, meaning the Guardians only need to find a right-handed-hitting first baseman who can hit left-handed pitching well.

But, they could also target a top option like Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox to get someone who can truly make a difference.

Otherwise, players like Mark Vientos, Jorge Polanco, Spencer Steer, Vaughn Grissom, or Isaac Paredes could be options worth considering.

With the trade deadline less than a month away, the Guardians don't have a lot of time to figure out what kind of first base upgrade they should target.

But, with a clear need to upgrade Hoskisn, the Guardians are likely to be involved in right-handed hitting the first base trade market this summer.

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