The Cleveland Guardians cautious free agency strategy and ability to pivot elsewhere holds them back. Colin Holderman, Connor Brogdon, and Peyton Palette are good bullpen depth additions that they needed, yet they still lack high-leverage help and potential outfield upgrades. Should the Guardians pursue Robert Refsnyder or push for bigger trades with names like Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte on the radar? Is their consistently rational bidding causing them to finish third on every major free agent?

Justin Lada breaks down the team’s blueprint, emphasizing the need for stronger mid-tier signings and timely roster turnover akin to the Tampa Bay Rays’ model. The episode also highlights Cleveland’s strategy for the new ABS challenge system, explaining why catchers like Austin Hedges and Bo Naylor—not pitchers—will lead ball-strike reviews, while hitters such as Steven Kwan and José Ramírez are set to have the green light. Will these tweaks give the Guardians an edge in the AL Central

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