Smart deadline buys help lift the Guardians in the power rankings

The Cleveland Guardians have not had any problems in the AL Central lately, winning the division in 2024 and 2025, and looking for the three-peat in 2026. However, they are having a bit of a problem this year. 

The Chicago White Sox have come out and surprised everyone, leading the division heading into the thick of things in August with their 59-52 record, but Cleveland is right behind them, sitting just three games out. 

So, with a need for a little boost, the Guardians decided to make some moves before the trade deadline ended. A few moves that could potentially put them ahead of the White Sox. 

MORE: Grading every Cleveland Guardians trade this summer

Smart deadline buys help lift the Guardians in the power rankings

The Guardians were opportunistic buyers at the deadline. They acquired OF Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for catching prospect Jacob Cozart, but that's not all. 

They also acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Alejandro Rivera, but the biggest prize came from the Washington Nationals. 

The Guardians landed LHP Foster Griffin in exchange for LHP Will Dion, LHP Josh Hartle, RHP Kendeglys Virguez, and OF Nick Mitchell. 

With this, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has bumped this team up in his post-deadline power rankings from No. 13 to No. 11. 

"Tip of the cap to the Guardians, who added Foster Griffin, Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe without parting with anyone on their top 10 prospect list. They still have some holes offensively, but Adell and Lowe provide two immediate upgrades, and a rotation of Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick and Griffin could do some real damage in October."

Adell and Lowe should help provide some pop while Griffin could be a real anchor for a rotation that already has a top-10 ERA in baseball right now. This could help push them over the edge and should get the White Sox's attention. 

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