The Cleveland Guardians' offseason spending plan left a lot to be desired...

Despite the Cleveland Guardians' impressive 2024 season and MLB playoff run, the team has not been as active as some believe they should be in the open market and in the trade mill. Adam The Bull and Zack Meisel of the Athletic try to wrap their heads around why Chris Antonetti and the franchise haven't made a legitimate attempt to build upon the momentum that was created.
CLEVELAND (AP) - Reliever Paul Sewald and the Cleveland Guardians agreed Wednesday to a $7 million, one-year contract, adding a setup arm for closer Emmanuel Clase.
An eight-year veteran, Sewald is a 34-year-old right-hander who has 84 saves during an eight-year big league career.
He gets a $1 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary this year, when he could earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for relief appearances: $100,000 each for 40 and each additional five through 60. The deal includes a $10 million mutual option for 2026 with a $1 million buyout.
Cleveland designated right-hander Pedro Avila for assignment to open a roster spot and also agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Riley Pint.
Sewald had a 4.31 ERA last year with 16 saves for Arizona, losing his closer’s job at the start of August. He didn’t make his season debut until May 7 due to a strained left oblique and didn’t pitch after Sept. 8 due to discomfort on the left side of his neck. His fastball average velocity dropped to 91.4 mph from 92.2 mph.
Sewald is 20-25 with a 4.09 ERA for the New York Mets (2017-20), Seattle (2021-23) and Arizona (2023-24). He had a $7.35 million, one-year contract with the Diamondbacks last season.
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[@michaelcurtis106]

A few comments:
1. "Last year wasn't a mirage": I'm starting to think that it actually was a mirage. Just look at the rotation. We had 2, maybe 3, starters that we could rely on for most of the season and it was even worse in the playoffs. There was a reason that the bullpen was gassed in the playoffs. Regarding the offense, it was better than anyone expected it to be in spite of all of the question marks. You just can't expect that kind of production again without significant upgrades which won't be made.
2. "My 2nd best hitter is Kwan": I think that when David Fry returns from injury, he will be the 2nd best hitter or 3rd best, at worst. He's a lot better than some people give him credit for. He proved that in the playoffs.
3. Carlos Santana: Carlos is only here to bridge the gap until either Manzardo or Big Christmas is ready to take the 1st base job full time. I wouldn't be surprised if he's traded at the deadline.
Bottom line: This team will spend ONLY if they have one or two question marks. They did this in 2017 with Edwin Encarncion. This year, they have too many question marks to address in free agency. That being said, this team still has a lot of potential. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing what Ortiz and Brito can give us (and later, Bazanna). There will also be one or two players that will come out of nowhere and surprise us. It happens every year. I also haven't given up on Bo Naylor yet. He still only has ONE full season in the big leagues. There's still time for him to grow.

[@nathanjames329]

Noel will hit, not just 20, but 30 home runs, if he gets the playing time.

[@thacryinggame]

Truth

[@paramjotsandhu86]

The owners just suck plan and simple

[@tdeiwert1]

Absolutely worst trading and spending ever. Damn dolestiens

[@kturetsky]

They should get Trevor bauer from his Japanese team it would only cost them $4-6 million!

[@peytoncobbin6546]

AGAIN we have Adam and Zach doomsday talk happening. For anyone watching please go watch these two have this same conversation a year ago. Please stop spreading your ignorance. You said this same shit about a team that won 90+ the division and made the final four. Don’t take these two serious especially Zach the Wiesel. GO TRIBE “ultimate Cleveland hate show”