Guardians' trade proposal lands Orioles slugger and more in wild three-team deal

The Cleveland Guardians, despite sitting 10.5 games back in the AL Central, are contenders for a Wild Card spot. Just 1.5 games back, the Guardians could become buyers at the trade deadline as they look to make a postseason push.

If they do buy, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report proposed a wild three-team trade that he called "outrageous." The deal that Miller proposed would have the Guardians acquiring Baltimore Orioles slugger Cedric Mullins, reliever Gregory Soto, and starter Tomoyuki Sugano. Also, the Guardinas would land outfielder Jerar Encarnacion from the San Francisco Giants.

To acquire such a haul, Miller has the Guardians giving cash considerations to the Giants, and sending 5th-ranked prospect C.J. Kafus and 20th-ranked prospect Doug Nikhazy to the Orioles.

The biggest loss is Kayfus, who could get the call ot the big leagues during the 2025 season, especially amid the lack of production from right field. But the players they are landing are incredibly intriguing.

For starters, Mullins is a lefty slugger who can play center field, taking over for the struggling Lane Thomas. Also, Mullins is a former All-Star who hit 30 home runs in a season. While he isn't the same player this year, hitting just .210 with 12 home runs halfway through the year, he would still be an upgrade over what the Guardians have.

Soto is a veteran lefty reliever who has a 3.30 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 36 games in 2025. He's in his seventh MLB season, and would be nice depth in the Guardians' bullpen. 

Sugano, the 35-year-old playing in his first MLB season, has been a decent starter for Baltimore. He has a 4.06 ERA and a 6-4 record across 16 starts. He'd help the Guardians' rotation amid their injuries.

Lastly, Encarnacion is a 27-year-old outfielder who can also play first base, something Cleveland is looking for. But, he's hitting just .136 on the season in 22 at-bats. In his 2024 season, Encarnacion hit .248 in 113 at-bats with a .702 OPS. He isn't the headliner, but Encarnacion would be a nice depth piece for the Guardians.

Overall, this trade proposal would have Cleveland bringing in help in four areas of their roster. Mullins for the outfield, Encarnacion for bench depth, Sugano in the rotation, and Soto out of the bullpen.

While they'd have to give up Kafus, one of their best prospects, the haul of players they get back would likely help with a postseason push. Miller presented this trade proposal as outrageous, and while the Guardians may get some short-term benefits, there are major question marks with this deal after the 2025 season.