A 16-win decline in 2023 saw the Cleveland Guardians go from AL Central champs and an ALDS squad to the team's first season with less than 80 wins since 2012. But after these struggles, this plucky ballclub has bounced back in 2024. The Guardians own the American League's second-best record at 49-26, giving the club a 7.5-game lead at the top of the AL Central.

The team is sixth in Major League Baseball in ERA — not surprising given the club's history of strong pitching — but is also third in runs scored per game, a huge improvement from a 27th-place finish in that category last season. Yet even in this bounce-back year, Cleveland can still look to improve its existing squad. Here are three players the Guardians could add to make for a perfect MLB trade deadline.

Acquire starting pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox

A starting pitching staff that was a strength for Cleveland for many years has suddenly become a weakness. Tanner Bibee and Ben Lively are the only Guardians starters with ERAs under 4.50 and the club ranks 19th in ERA for starting pitchers. 2020 Cy Young winner Shane Bieber will miss the rest of the season with Tommy John surgery. Bieber is third among Guardians SPs in WAR despite only making two starts on the year.

No pitcher has been more sought after in the trade market this year than Garrett Crochet — and for good reason. The lefty has been one of the breakout pitchers in Major League Baseball this season, posting a 3.26 ERA across 16 starts while leading the league with 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He struggled a bit in mid-April but reestablished since, posting a 1.50 ERA since the start of May while strikeout out seven batters for every walk allowed.

Acquiring an ace like Garrett Crochet gives Cleveland the top-end starter the team desperately needs and provides the club with another building block for years to come.

Acquire Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have dissuaded rumors of a possible fire sale ahead of the MLB trade deadline. But with Toronto sitting in last place in the AL East — 15.5 games back of the New York Yankees — the club could shop its big-name stars. Bo Bichette fits this billing.

After leading MLB in hits in 2021 and 2022 then batting above .300 in 2023, the Toronto shortstop has failed to get going in 2024. Bichette is batting just .237 with a .629 OPS but his advanced stats suggest a turnaround. The two-time All-Star has an expected batting average of .275 and his strikeout rate is at a career-low.

Cleveland has gotten minimal offensive production out of starting shortstop Brayan Rocchio (.619 OPS), whose strong glove suits him better as a defensive replacement rather than a full-time starter. Adding Bo Bichette gives Cleveland another table-setter alongside Steven Kwan, getting men on base for dangerous power hitters Josh Naylor and Jose Ramirez.

Trade for Detroit Tigers outfielder/designated hitter Mark Canha

Another need for the Guardians is designated hitter. The team sent Kyle Manzado to the minors after he posted a .571 OPS across his first 30 Major League games. Besides Manzado, 12 players have started a game at designated hitter for Cleveland this year and they have combined for a .602 OPS (28th in MLB) as DH. Adding a designated hitter who can also play outfield is a must for Cleveland.

Mark Canha has been a steady performer throughout his career, and this year has been no different. The veteran has a .719 OPS and his hard-hit rate is Canha's best since 2019. The 35-year-old has the flexibility to slot in at either corner outfield spot or first base, plus he has 25 appearances as a designated hitter in 2024. With his reliable bat and defensive versatility, Mark Canha is a good low-cost option for a Cleveland club unexpectedly thrust into the playoff race.