Facing the need to boost their offense, Cleveland may lean on one of their strengths — positional and pitching depth — as a trade chip. The Winter Meetings offer the perfect backdrop to strike deals, following last year’s blockbuster trade involving Andrés Giménez.
Here are the three players whose value and circumstances make them prime candidates to be dealt:
Arias enjoyed arguably his most productive MLB season in 2025, hitting a career-high 12 home runs and driving in 54 runs. While his batting average (.220) and strikeout rate remain concerning, his elite defensive versatility — capable of playing shortstop, second, third base, or even corner outfield — gives him value many clubs find attractive. Because Cleveland’s middle-infield depth is growing (with prospects like Angel Martínez or Travis Bazzana in the wings), Arias becomes a logical trade piece to acquire a needed bat or controllable pitcher while his value remains stable.
Slade Cecconi – Tradeable Mid-Rotation Starter
Cleveland’s pitching depth — while a strength — puts some rotation arms in excess of organizational needs. Cecconi had a respectable 2025 season (7–7, 4.30 ERA, 109 strikeouts over 132 innings) and his durability and consistency make him appealing to clubs needing rotation stability. With younger, high-upside arms waiting in the wings, the Guardians could leverage Cecconi to net a slugger or bullpen help without mortgaging the future.
Brayan Rocchio – Elite Defender With Question Marks at the Plate
Rocchio offers Gold Glove–caliber defense at shortstop — some of the best in the system — but his bat remains inconsistent (.233/.290/.340 in 2025, 5 home runs, 44 RBI). Away Back Gone With offense identified as the team’s primary weakness this offseason, Cleveland might view Rocchio as expendable despite his defensive value, especially if they can get a bat in return, or a more balanced player. Given the number of middle-infield prospects behind him, trading Rocchio could provide value without significantly weakening the long-term defense pipeline.
Packaging one of these players could help the Guardians address glaring needs — namely outfield offense or bullpen/rotation reinforcement. The goal would be a deal that brings in a right-handed bat, a consistent hitter, or a controllable pitcher without giving up top-tier prospects. Because all three players have shown major-league readiness or near-term value, their trade market could draw meaningful offers.
Of course, such trades carry risk: dealing Cecconi could weaken pitching depth if young arms haven’t proven ready; trading Rocchio or Arias might dent defensive versatility or infield depth. The front office will need to balance short-term offense gains with long-term roster balance.
The Guardians’ willingness to explore trades at the Winter Meetings signals ambition: they know their offense must improve. But by targeting depth pieces whose value is real — Arias, Cecconi, Rocchio — they can avoid gutting the system. If executed carefully, trading one of them could be an efficient way to turn organizational depth into immediate major-league help.
Whether or not Cleveland pulls the trigger, one thing is clear: these three players are the most likely to be moved, and watching trade chatter around them will be a key story of this offseason.
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