The Cleveland Guardians have been treading water of late with some of their top players on the IL. They are still just a game back from first in the division, but could use some help to make a true push into the playoffs. The starting rotation has been one of the best in baseball, and the lineup features some intriguing young players.
The Guardians’ focus at the MLB trade deadline should be on relief pitching and a corner outfielder with power. With the American League wide open this season, Cleveland should be aggressive and buy to upgrade this roster. Below are some of the top trade candidates the Guardians should target at this year’s trade deadline.
2026 Stats (LAA): .216 AVG, 11 HR, 39 RBI, .697 OPS
Jorge Soler is a prototypical power hitter who has primarily played DH for the Angels. The Guardians could use his power as well as his veteran presence in the lineup. The 34-year-old is having a decent season with a slightly below-average OPS and 23 extra-base hits. Why it makes sense for Cleveland is that the DH spot is wide open, and the cost to get Soler wouldn’t be high.
After this 2026 season, Soler becomes a free agent. This works for whatever team is trading for him because you have to make a long-term financial commitment to him. While the numbers don’t stand out, he is on pace to have a significantly better season than last year, and he wouldn’t be used in the field. For a Guardians team that is fairly conservative in trading prospects, this trade makes too much sense for both sides.
As a hitter, Soler’s bat speed and barrel percentage numbers are still elite. There is some swing-and-miss, but that’s been prevalent throughout his career. Another reason this trade makes sense is that Cleveland desperately needs a right-handed bat in the lineup. With just three players who bat right-handed, the Guardians should pursue Soler to give the lineup the depth and veteran leadership it needs.
2026 Stats (HOU): 2.42 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 44.2 IP
Another weakness for Cleveland this season has been the bullpen. While their team ERA has been serviceable, they could use the depth in a big way. Steven Okert has looked like one of the top relievers in all of baseball this season. With an ERA under 3.00 and a WHIP under 1.00, Okert would demand a strong return at the deadline. With the Houston Astros still in the mix to win their division, his availability could change in early August.
The Guardians seem to have a lot of faith in their pitching, but in 2026 the bullpen just hasn’t looked the same. Matt Festa and Tim Herrin have been inconsistent, with Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski being the only trustworthy options at the end of games. Okert could go from long relief to setup man and be a reliable arm out of the pen.
Like Soler, Okert becomes a free agent after the 2026 season. Cleveland has called up many relievers this year, and most have struggled in some capacity. Acquiring a reliable bullpen piece gives this pitching staff much-needed assurance in late-game situations. For a team that plays more one-run ballgames, strengthening the bullpen is a must at the trade deadline.
2026 Stats (SF): .279 AVG, 8 HR, 28 RBI, .811 OPS
The Guardians have already made a trade with the San Francisco Giants this season, but should consider another one ahead of this year’s trade deadline. Heliot Ramos has been a solid player for the Giants, but for a team that will be selling in August, they will field calls on everyone. The former first-round pick hasn’t become the star San Francisco imagined, but he is still a solid ballplayer.
Cleveland is looking for power from the right side of the plate. Ramos has swung a hot bat this season with a .279 AVG and an impressive .811 OPS. As a defender, he’s tough to play in left field. For the Guardians, his role would be primarily at DH. A trade would give Cleveland the right-handed bat they need. An added plus is that Ramos is under contract until 2030.
The asking price for a player like Ramos would require the highest return of all these potential trades. Looking down the road, though, you can build around him. The Guardians could form one of the most exciting young outfields in baseball with the addition of Ramos to Angel Martinez, Chase DeLauter, and Steven Kwan.
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As the trade deadline approaches, Cleveland has an opportunity to strengthen key areas of their roster without sacrificing their long-term vision. Soler would provide much-needed power in the middle of the lineup, Okert could add another reliable arm to the bullpen, and Ramos offers an intriguing blend of youth, athleticism, and offensive upside. Whether the Guardians make one move or several, adding impact talent could be the difference between simply contending and making a serious postseason run.
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