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The Cleveland Guardians are postseason contenders in the American League, but how will their offense fare without Jose Ramirez?
That is the glaring question for the foreseeable future as the Guardians' starting third baseman rehabs from a fractured hamate bone in his left hand.
One way Cleveland can make additions to their lineup is at this year's trade deadline. The front office may be in the market for power, as the Guardians rank 25th in the Majors with just 74.
Could the Colorado Rockies be a suitable trade match? They have a former first overall pick outfielder who hit a career-high 24 homers in 2025 and has 14 through 43 games this season.
"[Mickey] Moniak was placed on the injured list on May 21 with a sprained ankle, but he was having a solid year at the plate before that," The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote.
"He had a .335 OBP with 23 extra-base hits in 164 plate appearances. There aren’t a lot of outfielders likely to be available in trades, so Moniak could be an intriguing pick-up, considering he makes only $4 million and is controllable through 2027."
Among Guardians outfielders, rookie Chase DeLauter's .745 OPS is the highest among a group that includes two-time All-Star Steven Kwan and Angel Martinez.
Unusually, Kwan has been a disappointment at the plate.
MORE: How Pirates lost on maddening interference call for final out vs. Rockies
Moniak may be the trade deadline answer for the Guardians, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a better trade match on paper.
There are concerns with how Moniak hits away from Coors Field, but that may be a risk potential suitors will have to take if they want to add an impact bat without trading away substantial prospect capital.
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