Guardians Opinion: Three Potential Trade Partners For Cleveland

The Cleveland Guardians may not be in a position to sign one of the top-tier free agents this summer but that doesn't mean they can't improve the roster. The trade market is always an option and Cleveland possesses the pieces to pull off a blockbuster trade.

Here are three different teams who would make great trade partners for the Guardians if they decide to go down this route.

One trend that will become clear is that all three of these potential trade partners need pitching which is something the Guardians can afford to give away. Also, these aren't necessarily mock trades but should be viewed as examples demonstrating why the two teams should be talking.

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly expressed interest in trading for Guardians ace Shane Bieber. This alone makes them an easy trade partner with Cleveland.

Cleveland on the one hand has one thing they need which is pitching while the Cubs could provide outfield help such as Christopher Morel, Patrick Wisdom, or Mike Tauchman. This isn't to say that a straight swap for Bieber is what could be on the table, but it is a place to start.

The bottom line is that each team has what the other seeks.

Cincinnati Reds

Chicago isn't the only NL Central club that has reportedly discussed a trade for Bieber. The Cincinnati Reds are also a potential partner given their need for more starting pitching.

What the Reds have going for them is youth. They have several up-and-coming players such as Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and TJ Friedl who have already proven themselves at the Big League level.

It would take a lot more than one Shane Bieber to get any of these players. But would Cincinnati be willing to trade any of their young core away if the Guardians offered them a starting pitcher and potentially some bullpen help along with that?

San Diego Padres

The Guardians and San Diego Padres have been trade partners more than once in the past so we can never rule out a deal between these two clubs.

San Diego's offseason has been one more of retooling rather than rebuilding or even buying. Juan Soto is now a New York Yankee and reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell is on the open market.

However, San Diego will be in a position to win as long as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado are on the roster. Just like the Reds and Cubs, their biggest area of need is pitching. Could we see another Mike Clevinger-like haul for Cleveland before Spring Training starts?