Trading prospects for proven big-league talent isn’t the blueprint the Cleveland Guardians typically use when building their MLB roster. However, it may be the best path for the front office to pursue meaningful lineup upgrades heading into the 2026 season.

It feels incredibly unlikely for the organization to make a win-now move at this point in the offseason, but if they were, the Guardians have a number of prospects that other teams could find value in 

Angel Genao

If the Guardians want to bring back a player of value for the MLB roster, they must give up something of value, too. That said, one of the top potential prospect trade candidates in Cleveland’s farm system is 21-year-old Angel Genao.

The infielder is coming off a solid minor league season, logging a .259/.323/.359 slash line, while also batting through a shoulder injury. Genao is currently showing he’s healthy, though, as he’s posted a .772 OPS in Winter League play.

Genao has true star potential and could be the centerpiece in a massive trade this winter if the Guardians choose to go in that direction.

Parker Messick

Maybe this one is cheating a little bit, considering Park Messick has already made his big-league debut, but technically, he’s still a prospect with the left-hander still maintaining his rookie status. 

We’ve already seen what teams have given up to get established big-league pitchers. Imagine what the Guardians could ask for from a prospect proven his pitch-mix plays at the MLB level, after Messick logged a 2.72 ERA in seven starts last September.

It would take a lot for the Guardians to part with the 24-year-old, but Messick could likely help Cleveland land a piece that would dramatically improve the lineup.

Jaison Chourio

Jaison Chourio has struggled with his health, but when he’s been on the field, the outfielder has shown how talented he truly is. He has logged a slash line of .780 during his minor league career and continues to show development in his overall power.

The Guardians could be giving up a future All-Star in a trade, but they could also potentially get back a current All-Star in exchange for Chourio.