Guardians' Chris Antonetti breaks down upcoming MLB trade deadline
Guardians' Chris Antonetti breaks down upcoming MLB trade deadline
Guardians' Chris Antonetti breaks down upcoming MLB trade deadlineRyan Lewis, Akron Beacon JournalThu, July 23, 2026 at 10:16 AM UTC·4 min read
CLEVELAND — One of the biggest factors in this year's MLB trade deadline isn't only the individual needs of the 30 clubs navigating dozens of possibilities, it's the mechanics of the deadline itself.
The effect is twofold.
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First, it's how the addition of an extra wild card spot a few years ago has increased the number of teams that are still considered in the playoff race, which creates a wider group of teams that might be "buyers." Or, at the very least, it lowers the number of teams that can be all-out "sellers." That adjusts the pool of players available to be dealt.
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. (Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. (Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia. (Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images (Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett, Getty Images)Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland. (David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs. (David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland. (Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images (Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images (Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images (Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images (Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. (Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images (Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images (Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)1 / 18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. (Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. (Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia. (Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images (Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett, Getty Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland. (David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs. (David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland. (Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images (Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images (Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images (Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images (Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. (Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images (Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images (Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
In the past, MLB trade deadlines used to feature more teams that could clearly be put into one of two buckets. Under the new system, a higher number of teams can operate in a gray area.
“That’s definitely changed the dynamic with more teams still in,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said of the trade deadline. “There’s also increased dialogue among teams that might be contending to try to match up on possible needs for needs or depth for depth, or things like that.”
MLB trade deadline 2026
The second element is the date — the trade deadline isn't until Aug. 3 this season, the latest it's ever been. Although it's only three days later than normal, and it likely wouldn't drastically alter a club's playoff standing, those 72 hours that might come with three wins or three losses could be just enough to alter a team's viewpoint on a number of potential deals, and whether they want to pull the trigger on them.
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“Theoretically it should provide more opportunities for teams to have clarity, or more clarity, about what they might do, but I don’t know if it’ll play out that way or not,” Antonetti said.
In that way, the Guardians might evaluate their situation as having, effectively, a few deadline additions internally. They'll also note the acquisition of two-time Gold Glove catcher Patrick Bailey earlier this season.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 20: Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee #28 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on July 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, Getty Images)CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 20: Starting pitcher Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, Getty Images)CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 20: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with Petey Halpin #0 after Halpin hit a two-run home run for his first major league home run during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on July 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, Getty Images)1 / 3
Guardians vs. Twins. Cleveland plays rival Minnesota at Progressive Field
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 20: Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee #28 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on July 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, Getty Images)
Guardians vs. Twins. Cleveland plays rival Minnesota at Progressive Field
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 20: Starting pitcher Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, Getty Images)
Guardians vs. Twins. Cleveland plays rival Minnesota at Progressive Field
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 20: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with Petey Halpin #0 after Halpin hit a two-run home run for his first major league home run during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on July 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, Getty Images)
Guardians MLB trade deadline 2026
Most deadline deals are finalized within the final 48 hours before the deadline. In the Guardians' case, they have a few additional internal factors that might impact their external options.
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“We saw a case early on where there was a team that was prepared to move a player that we liked, and we were prepared to find a way to make it work,” Antonetti said of the Bailey trade. “I think it’s safe to say that we’ve been in contact with almost every team across the league to try to see where there might be opportunities to overlap. When each team gets to a decision point and when they’re willing to move — hard to predict.”
The Guardians at one point this season were on pace to have the most left-handed lineup in recent MLB history. Ramirez and Martinez both returning as switch-hitters will lower how lefty-heavy the lineup is on a daily basis. Although the Guardians might be prime candidates to acquire a right-handed hitter (especially an outfielder), the front office often operates with a close-no-door mentality, in that if they find a deal that they like based on value, handedness might not be the biggest factor.
That is, of course, in addition to potentially being in the market for a reliever or two, which is the case for essentially every contender.
“We’ll be aggressive in trying to find ways to improve,” Antonetti said. “Now, whether that means we’ll ultimately be able to get to the finish line on a deal or multiple deals, I have no idea. It’s impossible to predict.
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“Could be left-handed, could be right-handed. In an ideal world, it’d probably be good to have more balance to the lineup, but there are al to of teams that are probably looking to try to accomplish the same thing."
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.