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The Cleveland Guardians are currently 10.5 games behind in their division, but they remain in the race for a Wild Card playoff spot, trailing by just 1.5 games. Because of this, the team may look to strengthen its roster before the trade deadline. Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report recently proposed a bold and complex three-team trade that could help Cleveland make a strong postseason push.
In Miller’s proposed deal, the Guardians would receive four players: Cedric Mullins and Tomoyuki Sugano from the Baltimore Orioles, Gregory Soto from the same team, and Jerar Encarnacion from the San Francisco Giants. To make the trade work, the Guardians would send two prospects, C.J. Kayfus and Doug Nikhazy, to the Orioles, and cash considerations to the Giants.
Cedric Mullins, a left-handed slugger and former All-Star, would be an immediate upgrade in centre field, replacing underperforming players like Lane Thomas. Although Mullins has not had a standout season so far, batting just .210 with 12 home runs, his past performance shows that he has strong potential. Gregory Soto would bring veteran presence to the bullpen, boasting a solid 3.30 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 36 games this year.
Tomoyuki Sugano, a 35-year-old rookie in Major League Baseball, has been steady for Baltimore with a 4.06 ERA and a 6–4 record over 16 starts. He would add much-needed depth to Cleveland’s injury-riddled starting rotation. Jerar Encarnacion, who can play both outfield and first base, would serve as a depth piece. While he has struggled this year with just a .136 average in limited at-bats, his 2024 performance was more respectable, hitting .248 with a .702 OPS.
The biggest downside for Cleveland would be parting with Kayfus, their fifth-ranked prospect, who could make it to the majors soon, especially with the team lacking consistency in right field. However, the trade would address multiple needs on the roster, possibly improving the Guardians’ chances of making the playoffs this season.
While the trade could benefit Cleveland in the short term, it comes with risks. Most of the players involved may not provide long-term value, and the loss of top prospects could hurt the team’s future. That’s why the proposal has been labelled “outrageous.” It’s bold and potentially rewarding, but also filled with uncertainty.