Guardians Should Explore In-Division Trade With White Sox

The MLB offseason is here and many fans should be closely monitoring what is happening around the division just as much as what the Cleveland Guardians are doing.

One of Cleveland's biggest rivals, the Chicago White Sox, may be ready to deal two of their best players which could reshape the American League Central as we know it. If they do decide to sell high on a number of their players then the Guardians should look to get into the action.

These are two players who are reportedly on the trade block that I think could be intriguing targets for the Guardians if the White Sox do indeed start to sell.

Dylan Cease

The first player the White Sox may be open to moving is ace Dylan Cease.

Jon Heyman said on MLB Network, "I do think Cease is likely [to be traded] … I think he’s 80% [likely] to be moved, they're already talking about potential packages going back to the White Sox."

A team can never have too much pitching, but Cleveland already has a solid rotation in place for next season. Cease's team control does make him a fascinating player to keep on their radar though.

Giving up valuable trade capital for him may not be the best course of action. However, there is another player that would be a great fit for the Guardians.

Eloy Jimenez

Eloy Jimenez can be an MVP contender when he's healthy.

He should be on Cleveland's radar considering he's a power-hitting outfielder, which is something the Guardians need. Jimenez finished the 2023 season with a slash line of .272/.317/.441 and an OPS of .758.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers believes that both Jimenez and Cease could be dealt with before opening day.

"Chris Getz has not been shy about the fact that he is open for business. I'd almost bet money that Dylan Cease and Eloy Jiménez are on the move," said Rogers on MLB Network.

In-division trades are rare, but Cleveland and Chicago are no strangers to figuring out a deal between one another. They swapped 2B Cesar Hernandez and SP Konnor Pilkington at the 2021 deadline.

Maybe this is laying the framework for them to put together another deal.