The Cleveland Guardians have been prompted to make a big trade with the AL Rival Athletics

The Cleveland Guardians have continued to be one of the top teams in the American League so far this season. While they look like a potential contender, there are some needs that need to be addressed to truly be considered a contender.

One of those needs is to find another field bat.

Plenty of potential targets for the Guardians have been mentioned. There is a new name that has been suggested as a potential trade target before the MLB trade deadline at the end of July.

FanSided’s Zach Presnell urged the Guardians to consider a trade with the Oakland Athletics. He suggests that Cleveland try to acquire outfielder Brent Rooker.

“For the Guardians, they would get a safe replacement in Brent Rooker. Rooker is better than any outfielder they have not named Steven Kwan, and would be for the next several seasons. Valera and Devers, while talented, can’t really help the 2024 team make the playoffs and a World Series.”

In the suggested trade, Presnell has the Guardians acquire Rooker in exchange for outfielder George Valera and infielder Jose Devers.

Throughout the 2024 MLB season so far, Rooker has played in 59 games and has been very productive. He slashed .253/.336/.507 to go along with 13 home runs and 41 RBI.

Rooker has the kind of bat Cleveland needs. This is a deal you shouldn’t think twice about if it’s available.

Giving up both Valera and Devers would be worth the price to acquire a talent like Rooker.

At 29, Rooker would also come with contract control. He could be a long-term piece for the Guardians. That makes the price even more worthwhile.

That said, it will be interesting to see what Cleveland does before the trade deadline. Rooker isn’t the only outfielder who would make sense for the Guardians. Another less likely trade candidate that has been mentioned is Luis Robert Jr.

Expect to hear a lot more names as potential trade targets for Cleveland. The front office will be looking for the right fit, and this trade for Rooker would certainly make sense.