Cleveland Guardians Rumors: 3 Early-Season Trade Candidates

Welcome to Baseball Rumors' Early-Season Trade Candidates series. During it, we will be looking at three players who are already emerging as trade candidates during the beginning portion of the campaign. 

In this latest episode, we will be focusing on the Cleveland Guardians. 

Shane Bieber: Shane Bieber has been discussed in the rumor mill for quite some time. If the Guardians end up being a non-playoff team this season, there is a very good chance that they will move their ace. He is inching closer to his UFA status (2025), and the Guardians could look to receive a major return for him now instead of potentially losing him for nothing then. 

Zach Plesac: The Guardians were listening to offers for Zach Plesac during the offseason, but a move never came to fruition. However, things could change on that front during the regular season, as teams around the league are always looking for pitching depth. One team that has been linked to him is the St. Louis Cardinals.

Aaron Civale: Aaron Civale is another pitcher who the Guardians are willing to hear offers for. The 27-year-old righty is coming off of a rough 2022 season but also started this campaign off well. However, if he is inconsistent as the year rolls on, he could be the pitcher that Cleveland parts ways with to improve their group elsewhere.

photo credit:  Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports