Cleveland Guardians eye roster upgrades as the hot stove heats up—should they pursue Dodgers’ outfield depth for an offensive spark? Jeff Ellis examines how players like Alex Call and Ryan Ward could fit in, while weighing the trade value of prospects and the team’s coveted competitive balance draft pick. With spring training looming, will the Guardians seize opportunities left in a thinning free agent market or seek answers through savvy trades?

Jeff Ellis breaks down the crucial role of infield defense for a groundball-heavy pitching staff, explaining why Gabriel Arias’ stellar arm and range might outweigh offensive shortcomings. Key discussions include the risks of targeting free agents like Harrison Bader or Luis Arraez, potential upside options such as Eugenio Suarez, and how Cleveland’s offseason approach could shape their playoff hopes. Can the Guardians maintain elite run prevention and finally find power at the plate?

2:04 – Dodgers’ Overloaded Roster

4:45 – Prospect & Draft Pick Trading Landscape

6:14 – Value of Cleveland’s Draft Pick

9:05 – Best Dodgers Trade Targets

14:01 – The Alex Call Case

18:22 – Raising the Guardians’ Floor

21:08 – Free Agents “Hot or Not” & Infield Defense

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Cleveland Guardians two time manager of the year award winner Stephen Vogt enters his third season as manager with roster spots up for grabs and the team’s identity in flux. Can the Guardians maintain their playoff streak and overcome more challenges, including Jose Ramirez’s absence for the World Baseball Classic and looming questions about Steven Kwan’s future?

Justin Lada breaks down the challenges of finding a center and right fielder, the uncertainty at second base, and the youth-driven rotation featuring Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, and Gavin Williams. The show highlights dives battles, potential impact of prospects like Chase DeLauter and Juan Brito, and the urgency for an offensive identity. With the AL Central race wide open, will the Guardians’ pitching anchor another postseason run or will questions in the lineup set them back?

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While Cleveland Guardians fans want and deserve offensive upgrades, Juan Brito is a prospect that has been overlooked that could help in 2026. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis discuss the forgotten Juan Brito and the red-hot Ralphy Velazquez, unpacking why they are important prospects heading into the next few seasons. With second base wide open and Travis Bazzana waiting in the wings, could Brito’s bat help out of the gate. Plus, Velazquez climbs MLB Pipeline’s first base prospect rankings. Does he outperform hyped names like Charlie Condon and set himself up for a major league debut sooner than expected?

The show analyzes the evolving Guardians infield, looking into the importance of defense for ground ball-heavy pitching, and debating whether Brito or Velazquez best fits the team’s vision. We also dive into Shawn Armstrong’s new arsenal after a career-best season, and what his improvement means for the Guardians bullpen. Stick around for possible trade scenarios with the Dodgers and Mets to take advantage of depth.

05:23 Infield Defense Key to Success?

08:54 Guardians Could Use a Switch Hitter

13:36 Condon, Draft Picks, and Doubts

19:22 Kayfus Outfield Future Speculation

22:48 Shawn Armstrong's Evolving Pitch Arsenal

25:41 Trust in Cade Smith's Reliability

29:44 Trade Talks: Brett Baty Debate

31:24 Dodgers' Trades, Depth, and Strategy

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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