Debating Value of Hitting Coaches & Blockbuster Trades as Reds Hire Chris Valaika From Guardians

What do the Cleveland Guardians need to prioritize this winter and who should be part of that priority list? This episode discusses if the Guardians should/will give Shane Bieber the qualifying offer and if he should be a priority to bring back this offseason or should they opt to focus on Matthew Boyd or other pitching options? We also discuss where some wiggle room could come on the roster and payroll to make some additions as well.   5:29 Qualifying Offer Discussion10:13 Contract Negotiations15:14 Roster Decisions20:47 Payroll Analysis26:14 Trade and Free Agency Options 33:14 Pitching Priorities Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

The World Series is over. The Los Angeles Dodgers are champions and the MLB offseason is here. How do the Guardians get over the hump from being division contenders to World Series contenders? This episode debates what the Guardians roster and organization needs to get to another World Series. We discuss if the Guardians can replicate their pitching factory days and if that's feasible and even enough. The show also talks about the major hitting issues that has held them back the last few seasons. And we get into the changes the Guardians made to their draft strategy and why this could have them back on a better track to leverage their farm system in trades.   12:17 Guardians' Pitching Strategy19:52 Guardians' Hitting Philosophy26:34 Farm System and Trades33:28 International and Draft Strategy38:05 Payroll and Team Strategy39:40 AFL Prospects Update Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

MLB Trade rumors haven't quite heated up yet because the offseason hasn't fully started in earnest. But we've already seen what people thought was a rumor pop back up into circulation while we're waiting for the offseason to begin. This episode looks back at some trade discussion that may have taken place in some capacity between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs back in July and how legitimate it was and if it's really a rumor with any legs. The show also looks at what has to happen for a Josh Naylor trade to make sense for the Guardians and the decisions around it that would have to unfold. We end the show by discussing other potential Guardians trade candidates and some hopeful trade targets. 5:28 Nico Horner Trade Rumors10:19 Cubs and Guardians Communication15:30 Josh Naylor Trade Considerations20:00 Moneyball Approach to Roster Management31:41 Trade Candidates and Reliever Value35:56 Potential Trade Partners and Pitching39:54 Offseason Plans and Coaching Changes Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Back in 1997/1998, Cleveland was very interested in trading for then-Expos ace Pedro Martinez. What if Cleveland had pulled off a trade to land the Hall of Fame starter heading into 1998? This is a What If Wednesday episode of Locked On Guardians that explores the what if of Cleveland possibly trading for Martinez. Could they have won it all in 1998? Would they have kept him? Would they have missed out on a future trade because of it? This episode also talks about current Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz being in consideration for the White Sox and Marlins job (recorded before the news of the White Sox hiring Will Venable), and what implications that could have for Stephen Vogt and the Guardians coaching staff for 2025. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Discover the most unforgettable moments in Cleveland Guardians baseball history as we rank the top 10 postseason home runs. From Tony Pena's iconic 1995 ALDS walk-off to Rajai Davis' electrifying 2016 World Series game-tying shot. This episode discusses the top playoff home runs in Cleveland baseball history, ranking our top 10 and listeners top 10 postseason homers as well. Tune in for our first Top 10 Tuesday show off the offseason exploring the historical significance, emotional weight, and game-changing nature of these home runs. The episode also features listener-submitted top 10 lists and we take a look ahead to "What If Wednesday." 5:46 Honorable Mentions11:02 Roberto Perez's Home Runs15:29 Top 10 Home Runs Discussion20:55 Historical Home Runs25:44 Tony Fernandez's Home Run30:54 Rajai Davis's Home Run35:12 Fan Submissions Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

The Cleveland Guardians came into 2024 looking for an answer at Shortstop. Did they find one? This episode tries to answer the question of what we learned about the Guardians shortstops in 2024 as we start out positional review series. Did Brayan Rocchio underperform expectations or was he a victim of prospect overhype?   Did the Guardians ever see enough from Gabriel Arias? Which SS prospects gave us reason for excitement at the future of the position in 2024? We discuss Angel Genao, Welbyn Francisca and more. 7:11 Jim Donovan Tribute13:00 Brayan Rocchio Analysis20:32 Gabriel Arias Discussion28:21 Prospect Overview38:37 Upcoming Content Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

The Cincinnati Reds hired now ex-Cleveland Guardians hitting coach Chris Valaika to be their Director of Hitting and Major League hitting coach. This episode dives into what the true value of hitting coaches is and how much credit/blame should be assigned to them, what this means for the Guardians and who might replace Valaika now. It's also a half-mailbag edition of the show, so we take your questions on where Travis Bazzana will play defensively in 2025 and we each try to provide a blockbuster trade upon listener request. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

One of the top questions the Guardians will face this offseason is Josh Naylor's pending free agency. This episode debates if the Guardians should run it back with Josh Naylor in 2025, or could they find a way to improve the team while trading him. The show also gets into Chase DeLauter's future, discussing his current time in the AFL in 2024 and if they need to keep the path to right field clear for him at the risk of not making any external upgrades. We also have our first discussion about the 2025 MLB Draft. We know where Cleveland will likely be picking and who are the first names we have our eyes on at that spot.   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

The Cleveland Guardians held their end of the season media session with plenty of questions that came with some updates, thoughts and a few vague answers. This episode discusses our takeaways from that media session with reactions to answers from the Guardians on offseason plans to supplement the roster vs. keeping playing time open for young players, if there's mutual interest in bringing back Shane Bieber, Matthew Boyd, Alex Cobb and Austin Hedges. The show also discusses comments about Josh Naylor's immediate future with 2025 being his final year of club control. Also in this episode is reaction to the news about the St. Louis Cardinals hiring away the Guardians Director of Player Development and other Guardians front office members/coaches that could be hired away elsewhere for promotions. The episode also features news about Guardians prospect George Valera getting a fourth option year in 2025 due to his myriad of injuries. 00:00:02 Introduction and overview of the episode00:05:04 Discussion on young players and offseason opportunities00:10:26 Pitching strategy and player development insights00:15:56 Josh Naylor's future with the team00:21:36 Trade rumors and potential lineup changes00:27:16 Departure of Rob Cerfolio to the Cardinals00:32:12 Potential coaching changes and interviews Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

The offseason is now upon the Cleveland Guardians.   This episode starts with a post-mortem look at the 2024 season and why the end of baseball season is always tough, and why 2025 will be different for the Cleveland Guardians for a number of complicated reasons. The show also looks ahead to the Guardians end of season media availability in October 22, guessing which questions and topics will come up and prediction some answers we will hear from the front office regarding injuries, extensions, payroll and other roster thoughts. The end of the episode dives into the Guardians 40 man roster situation at the start of the offseason, specifically who is coming off, who has to be re-added and prospects with Rule 5 status that will require roster protection. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to win $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)#guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB