The Cleveland Guardians have surpassed any and all expectations for their 2024 season to this point.
At 63-42, the Guardians have the best record in the American League. They just took two of three from the Philadelphia Phillies, who have the best record in baseball. If the season ended today, rookie skipper Stephen Vogt would be a shoo-in for Manager of the Year.
However, the Guardians are also far from perfect. They rank 24th in starting pitching ERA at 4.56, and their starters have thrown more innings than just four other teams. Even with the best bullpen in baseball, that lack of depth takes a toll on a team eventually.
If the Guardians want to make a deep run in October, it would behoove them to make a move before Tuesday's trade deadline. And one insider believes they will do just that.
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com predicted on Monday that the Guardians would land starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham in a trade with the Chicago White Sox.
Fedde, 31, would be the headliner of the deal, as the veteran righty has compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.11 ERA in 21 starts this season.
"Though he might not have the cachet of teammate (Garrett) Crochet, Fedde is the better bet to give you length down the stretch," Castrovince said. "The Guardians, who have been banged up in their rotation all year... could sure use some of that."
Pham, 36, isn't having a standout season at the plate, but he was terrific last season in the playoffs with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Universally known as one of the game's hardest workers, Pham would also bring veteran leadership to the Guardians' young lineup.
"(Pham) brings a right-handed stick with a smart approach, some thump and hustle to a lineup that could not only use a jolt with multiple offensive All-Stars enduring a midseason slump, but could use another outfield and DH option," Castrovince said.
It's been a long time since the Guardians made a big splash at the trade deadline. They haven't been true buyers since 2016, when they acquired Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees.
Landing Fedde and Pham as a package deal would be a huge statement from the Guardians. But until it does or does not happen, the Guardians have to continue rolling with the roster that got them to this point.
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