The Cleveland Guardians, sitting at 73-70, are three games back of the Seattle Mariners for the final American League Wild Card spot. Cleveland has played better baseball of late by getting over the .500 mark, but it might be too little too late to enter the October dance.
That means the front office can gear its attention towards the offseason, where the Guardians desperately need some offensive help to protect Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo in the lineup.
Recent New York Mets trade addition, Cedric Mullins, may be at the top of Cleveland’s wish list.
Cedric Mullins is predicted to be in the Guardians’ 2026 lineup
In a recent Bleacher Report prediction piece that projects every team’s 2026 Opening Day lineup, Cedric Mullins is slotted in as the sixth-hitter.
1st overall draft pick Travis Bazzana is also projected to be in the Opening Day lineup for the Guardians next season, and that should help in Cleveland’s pursuit of offense.
Cedric Mullins was traded to the Mets from the Baltimore Orioles on an expiring contract, and it’s well known that he is likely going to test free agency following the season. Mullins has 16 home runs in the 2025 season, but has had a power struggle with the Mets in 30 games (one homer).
He’s a low-average hitter at just .217 on the season, but his occasional power spurts and the ability to hit a home run from time to time should help the Cleveland offense. He was named an all-star back in 2021 when he finished the season with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
The Guardians’ projected lineup features Steven Kwan, Bazzana, Ramirez, and Manzardo as the top four options, which isn’t bad, but Cleveland’s fate next season will ultimately rely on what the bottom of the order can produce. If Mullins does sign with the Guardians, they would need him to be a little bit better with the bat for it to be considered a successful signing.
