What will the Guardians do at MLB trade deadline? Who might they target?

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What will the Guardians do at MLB trade deadline? Who might they target?

Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The 2026 MLB Draft is wrapped up, with scouting teams trying to sleep off the copious amounts of coffee and Red Bull they consumed over the last several weeks.

And on deck? The trade deadline and then the final home stretch of the regular-season playoff races.

The Guardians (51-46) enter the 2026 All-Star break in a virtual dead heat with the Chicago White Sox (50-45) in the American League Central . The Minnesota Twins (48-49) and Detroit Tigers (44-52) might not be completely buried yet, but both could be heading the other direction in terms of the moves those teams might make at the trade deadline .

Here are the top questions facing the Guardians in the second half of the season.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Brayan Rocchio #4 of the Cleveland Guardians throws to first base but cannot turn a double play after forcing out Esteury Ruiz #3 of the Miami Marlins during the third inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Parker Messick #77 of the Cleveland Guardians returns to the dugout against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates after scoring against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot park on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)
(Sam Navarro, Getty Images)

Jul 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) throws against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
(Jim Rassol, Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

Jul 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) congratulates first baseman Kyle Stowers (28) on a good defensive play against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
(Jim Rassol, Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

Jul 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) throws during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
(Jim Rassol, Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

Can Parker Messick match his All-Star first half?

Arguably the Guardians' MVP of the first half of the season , Parker Messick earned an All-Star nod while posting a 2.73 ERA in 19 starts. And after being one of six starting pitchers to open spring training camp vying for five spots, Messick pitched his way onto the rotation and has been that group's best in 2026.

Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams have each had some poorer moments. Joey Cantillo has largely been solid, if a touch inconsistent. Slade Cecconi was great over the last several weeks, but it came after a painful start to the season. Messick, meanwhile, has been the best of the bunch, to the point of flirting with a few no-hit bids. He's one of three Guardians All-Stars — along with Cade Smith , Travis Bazzana — and he's one of the most important players on the roster in the second half.

Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia.
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Can Steven Kwan return to All-Star form?

It's been a dreadful season for Steven Kwan at the plate, at least by his standards.

Through June 22, a span of 71 games, Kwan was hitting .206 with a .572 OPS, concerning enough that he was sent tumbling to the No. 9 spot in the order after acting as the club's lead-off hitter for four seasons.

But there might be some hope on the horizon for the Guardians. Since June 23, a span of 18 games , he's slashing .309/.387/.418 for an .805 OPS with four extra-base hits, three RBIs, five runs scored and three stolen bases.

The Guardians seem stuck in a continuous search for more offense. With a few rookies holding down the top of the lineup and some others returning from injury over the next few weeks, Kwan returning to form would alleviate some of that offensive pressure on others.

Cleveland trading Kwan was one of the biggest decisions of the winter. They opted to hang onto him, and his poor first half has complicated matters on that front.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Cooper Ingle #30 of the Cleveland Guardians bats during the first inning of his Major League debut against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: A view of the MLB Debut patch on the Nike jersey worn by Cooper Ingle #30 of the Cleveland Guardians prior to his Major League debut against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Joey Cantillo #54 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Luis Castillo #58 of the Seattle Mariners throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Colt Emerson #4 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Kahlil Watson #31 of the Cleveland Guardians hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Joey Cantillo (54) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) singles in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Cooper Ingle (30) stands at the plate in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Kahlil Watson (31) runs the bases in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Cooper Ingle (30) swings in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) turns a double play in front of second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jun 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks on the field in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

When will Jose Ramirez , Angel Martinez return from injury?

Guardians fans will roll their eyes when they hear this but, effectively, the Guardians will look at the returns of star third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Angel Martinez as trade deadline additions.

The rest of the division had a great opportunity to put some space between them and the Guardians with Ramirez out of the lineup but weren't able to do it, which sets up Cleveland well in the second half once he's able to return to the lineup from a hamate bone injury.

The original estimated timeline put that somewhere around the end of July, but these injuries can vary. Few players, if any, are more important to their lineup than Ramirez is to Cleveland's.

Martinez, who fractured his foot at the same time Ramirez hit the injured list, was given a similar timetable for a return and could be back within the next 2 to 3 weeks, barring any setbacks.

The Guardians have been holding their head above water and could get both Ramirez and Martinez back around the same time, leaving them in a favorable spot at the All-Star break if they can get through the next couple weeks.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 12: Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 12: Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee #28 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on June 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

Can Chase DeLauter , Travis Bazzana or Parker Messick win Rookie of the Year voting?

Chase DeLauter was the story of the first week of the regular season. Bazzana and Messick are All-Stars, with the former doing so without starting the year in the major leagues. All three have a shot at being a Rookie of the Year finalist, although it'll be an uphill climb to take it away from two AL Central rival rookies.

Detroit infielder Kevin McGonigle and Chicago White Sox infielder Munetaka Murakami were leading the Rookie of the Year race at the All-Star break. Sportsbooks have McGonigle as the favorite, Murakami firmly as the second favorite and a group of about seven players — including Bazzana, DeLauter and Messick — in the running.

Cleveland Guardians' Chase DeLauter celebrates a solo home run against the Miami Marlins on July 12, 2026, in Miami, Florida.

What will the Guardians do at the 2026 MLB trade deadline?

The Guardians have a pretty standard operating procedure when it comes to the trade deadline , and it's likely they'll follow it in 2026. All avenues can be explored, and some minor, sensible additions are more likely than a home run swing as the front office carefully takes stock of available resources. It isn't often the calculated Guardians front office deviates from its internal values assigned to players.

The Guardians made a huge splash at the 2016 deadline by acquiring elite reliever Andrew Miller. But aside from that big swing, the Guardians have tended to target smaller additions to round out the roster at the deadline.

In 2026, that likely means an outfielder or a reliever. The Guardians will also point to the trade that brought in catcher Patrick Bailey as an addition that simply came well before the deadline. Ramirez and Martinez will also provide a potential boost, albeit from within.

If the Guardians target an outfielder to bolster their mix, Colorado 's Mickey Moniak , Baltimore 's Taylor Ward and the Los Angeles Angels ' Jo Adell could all be on the market. Milwaukee 's Garrett Mitchell could also be in that conversation simply because of the Brewers ' depth in the outfield, if that price tag can be reached. Ward and Adell being right-handed hitters might make them the best fit for one of the most left-handed lineups in recent history .

Just about every contending team at every trade deadline could use a reliever or two for the stretch run and postseason. The Guardians could certainly add a high leverage reliever or two ahead of Smith as an All-Star closer.

Some of the potential top targets are Boston 's Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock , Tampa Bay's Pete Fairbanks , Baltimore's Yennier Cano , St. Louis ' Riley O'Brien , the New York Mets ' A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley , Miami 's Lake Bachar and Anthony Bender , Colorado's Antonio Senzatela and San Francisco 's Caleb Kilian .

There's no shortage of reliever upgrades available, but there also won't be a shortage of teams hoping to acquire them.

Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What will the Guardians do at MLB trade deadline? Who might they target?

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