Former MLB GM predicts New York Yankees will trade for Cleveland Guardians pitcher with a 3.12 ERA to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the deadline.
The Cleveland Guardians are in a challenging situation as they have to decide whether to be buyers or sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Cleveland are just 2.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot and have been on an impressive run since the All-Star break.
Stephen Vogt and his team have won five out of their last six games and are coming off a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles. Nonetheless, that isn't stopping the experts from putting the seller label on Cleveland.
On Wednesday, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden appeared on CBS Sports HQ and predicted that Guardians pitchers Cade Smith will be on the New York Yankees' radar as they need all the help in the fight to win the AL East.
"They could go to the Guardians and go get Cade Smith for the back of the bullpen and add another high-leverage reliever," Bowden said. "... I think the ideal deadline for [the Yankees] would be [Mitch] Keller, Cade Smith, and Eugenio Suarez."
MORE:MLB insider reveals Guardians' strong stance on top trade assets
Smith has appeared in 45 games for the Guardians this season, posting a 3.12 ERA while recording 43.1 innings pitched. Nonetheless, Smith's year is slightly off of the numbers he recorded last season for Cleveland.
In 2024, the 26-year-old pitched in 74 games, registering a 1.91 ERA, 2.4 WAR, and 103 strikeouts. Still, a switch into a playoff race could be what he needs to find the numbers he recorded last season with Cleveland.
Despite this speculation, if the Guardians continue this impressive run, perhaps they pull the plug on being a seller and decide to buy to boost their squad to push for the postseason.
Category: Baseball
