Cleveland Guardians continue to lock in their core
The Cleveland Guardians have not been known to spend much of anything over the past few years. They have traded away the majority of a once dominant rotation in order to save a few bucks, spent more on a theme song than on their outfielders, and have developed a reputation for being one of the cheapest organizations in baseball. It is certainly a reputation that they deserve.
That may be changing. The Guardians have begun to spend to keep their own players as they have started to lock in the core of their roster. Emmanuel Clase and Jose Ramirez have been signed to long term extensions as they look to build another contending team. On Saturday, Myles Straw became the latest to join that group, signing a five year deal with team options for 2027 and 2028.
Cleveland Guardians lock in Myles Straw
It had not taken long for Straw to draw attention as a prospect. His excellent speed and defense made him impossible to ingore before a breakout 2018 season that saw him steal 70 bases while posting a .291/.381/.353 batting line in 598 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A. However, his lack of power made it fair to wonder if he would be more than a fourth outfielder/defensive replacement type.
That changed last season. Straw was given the opportunity to become an everyday player and ran with it. He posted a solid .271/.349/.348 batting line in his 638 plate appearances between Houston and Cleveland, hitting 29 doubles and four homers while stealing 30 bases. His ability to get on base and work a count made him a valuable piece atop the Guardians lineup.
Straw will now likely hold that spot down for years to come. Between he and Steven Kwan, Cleveland may have the top of the lineup that they envision, capable of getting on base and making plenty of contact to put pressure on opposing defenses. That core is starting to come together.
dark. Next. Ramirez a bargain for Cleveland
The Cleveland Guardians are starting to commit to keeping the core of their roster together. Myles Straw is the latest player to be locked in to a long term deal.