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Juan Soto's Free Agency & MLB Award Finalists Analysis 2024

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The Guardians' rotation was their Achilles’ heel in 2024, ranking among the bottom of the league in multiple categories: 27th in fWAR (6.0), 24th in ERA (4.40), and 21st in opponent batting average (.248). Injuries and underperformance plagued them, with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/shane-bieber/57987">Shane Bieber</a> sidelined early and young arms like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/triston-mckenzie/57997">Triston McKenzie</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/gavin-williams/58002">Gavin Williams</a> struggling.
Key struggles
Triston McKenzie: 5.11 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 75.2 innings. 
Gavin Williams: 4.86 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 76 innings.
Even contributors like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/edward-lively/57996">Ben Lively</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/joseph-cantillo/57988">Joey Cantillo</a>, while solid in stretches, face potential regression.
What’s the solution?
The Guardians should target mid-tier free-agent starters such as <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/luis-severino/58407">Luis Severino</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/walker-buehler/58671">Walker Buehler</a>, or even bring back Shane Bieber at a lower cost. These arms would provide much-needed stability without breaking the bank.
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1. Strengthen the Starting Rotation

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While Gavin Williams has shown promise, his 2024 campaign highlighted inefficiencies in his pitch usage. His reliance on the four-seam fastball (51.5% usage) hurt him, with opponents hitting .286 against it, a noticeable drop from his rookie season.
Key stats
-Slider usage dropped from 22.1% (2023) to 11.3% (2024), with opponents hitting .258 against it. 
-His curveball was his most effective pitch, holding hitters to a .155 average.
The fix? Increase his curveball usage and incorporate more of his cutter, which limited opponents to a .205 average and generated a 34.1% whiff rate. Optimizing his pitch arsenal could help Williams return to his rookie form.
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2. Optimize Gavin Williams’ Pitch Mix

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While <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/andres-gimenez/57970">Andrés Giménez</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/brayan-rocchio/57974">Brayan Rocchio</a> are defensive stalwarts, their bats underperformed in 2024:
Giménez: .252 AVG, .638 OPS, and 83 wRC+. 
Rocchio: .206 AVG, .614 OPS, and 79 wRC+.
To bolster the lineup, Cleveland should add a bat-first infielder. Potential options include:
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jose-iglesias/60330">Jose Iglesias:</a> A versatile veteran who hit .337 with a .830 OPS and 137 wRC+ in 2024. 
Other free-agent infielders who can provide offensive reliability while maintaining flexibility in the lineup.
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3. Upgrade the Middle Infield Offense

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The Guardians’ outfield has room for improvement, with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/steven-kwan/57978">Steven Kwan</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/lane-thomas/58425">Lane Thomas</a> locked in but questions surrounding the third spot.
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/william-brennan/57976">Will Brennan:</a> A modest 98 wRC+ but limited upside. 
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jhonkensy-noel/57980">Jhonkensy Noel:</a> Impressive power (118 wRC+ in 2024), but his high strikeout rate (31.8%) raises concerns. 
Options to consider:
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/teoscar-hernandez/58666">Teoscar Hernández</a> or <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/anthony-santander/57811">Anthony Santander</a> as splashy free-agent signings for middle-of-the-order production. 
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/tyler-oneill/57726">Tyler O’Neill</a> as a more affordable alternative with 131 wRC+ and power to boost an outfield ranked 21st in home runs.
Internal prospect Chase DeLauter, who posted a .770 OPS in Double-A and could debut in 2025. 
Adding a consistent outfield bat would provide much-needed offensive depth and balance to the Guardians’ lineup.
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4. Add an Impact Outfielder

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With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/david-fry/57963">David Fry</a> sidelined for much of 2025, there’s an opportunity for young sluggers <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/kyle-manzardo/59835">Kyle Manzardo</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jhonkensy-noel/57980">Jhonkensy Noel</a> to take on significant roles.
2024 highlights
Noel: 13 HR, .774 OPS, and 118 wRC+ in 198 MLB plate appearances. .958 OPS in the ALCS. 
Manzardo: Struggled in the majors but excelled in Triple-A (.267/.398/.548, 143 wRC+). 1.077 OPS, including a key home run in Game 3.
By giving these young bats consistent at-bats at DH, first base, or corner outfield, the Guardians can unlock their offensive upside and continue to develop their future stars.

5. Ensure Regular At-Bats for Manzardo and Noel

5 Keys to the Guardians’ Success in the 2025 MLB Season

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Explore the five essential moves the Cleveland Guardians need to make to remain playoff contenders in 2025, from pitching upgrades to lineup improvements.

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