Locked On Indians

Cleveland Guardians face a pivotal offseason as the MLB Winter Meetings kick off. Will a bold move shape their 2024 season or does a Rule 5 draft gem await? Jeff Ellis dissects the latest rumors swirling around Cleveland, including intriguing targets, the impact of Zach Kent’s release, and the hot relief market highlighted by Jose Ferrer’s three years of team control. The episode explores alternative history—what if José Ramírez was traded to the Padres for a blockbuster package of C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, and James Wood or Jackson Merrill? Jeff Ellis breaks down payroll constraints, Atlanta Braves financial data, and the painful realities of small-market survival. Guardians fans get expert insight on possible lineup scenarios, money matters, and what roster moves could be next. Will the Guardians spend big, or are they banking on clever transactions to keep the team competitive? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 of

Cleveland Guardians' front office faces mounting pressure to upgrade the lineup. Will a significant move finally materialize, or is 2026 shaping up to be déjà vu for frustrated fans? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis tackle the hot topics from the Guardians’ outlook at the winter meetings to the persistent outfield woes and second base uncertainty. The show gets into Steven Kwan’s contract future, potential trade targets like Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan, and key offseason needs, including a pressing search for external bats and bullpen help.The episode also answers questions about which prospects poised for redemption, including Daniel Espino, Juan Brito, and Ralphy Velazquez, while questioning whether recent roster decisions are bold enough to spark real change. Are the Guardians running out of time to surround José Ramírez with the support he needs? Listener mailbag questions drive sharp discussions about trade value, roster battles between Daniel Schneemann Angel Martinez, Brayan Rocchio, and Gabriel Arias,

The Cleveland Guardians made a somewhat eyebrow raising move, signing relief Connor Brogdon to a major league deal. Can Brogdon’s impressive changeup, velocity, and extension transform him into Cleveland’s next breakout arm, or is this just a depth move? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down why the front office targeted Brogdon, weighing Stuff+ metrics and roster implications, while questioning whether dedicating a 40-man spot is worth the risk for a player who cleared waivers twice last season. We also see that Brendan Donovan is emerging as one of the hottest names on the market. The Guardians facing  competition from the Mariners, Dodgers, and rival AL teams. Will Cleveland’s prospects be enough to land Donovan, or will the bidding war push him out of reach? We also dissect possible fits for Steven Kwan, debate the merits of targeting players like Brandon Lowe or Jesús Sánchez on Trade Talk Thursday heating up.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, an

Can Cleveland Guardians fans expect fireworks at the MLB Winter Meetings, or just more front office mystery? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis set expectations straight, discussing how the Guardians typically operate with a witty look back at winter meetings past.We play our second annual game of "Who Said It?" “Chris Antonetti or Chris AI-tonetti” to the front office can be at the Winter Meetings. We wrap up the episode with analysis of the Guardians’ 2026 MLB Draft slots and how the 19th and 29th picks could impact their draft strategy.  04:15 Cleveland's Past Winter Meetings News07:04 Brendan Donovan Trade Speculation15:02 Strategic Offseason Evaluation Focus19:18 Planning Future Success Strategy22:37 Mock Draft and Pick Dynamics24:07 MLB Draft Penalty Impact27:52 Top Draft Picks History at 19, 29 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!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. FanD

Cleveland Guardians face pivotal offseason questions—can adding a controllable outfield bat or revamped bullpen take the Guardians to the next level? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis unpack the Guardians’ ideal wish list, spotlighting targets like Tyler Soderstrom, Seiya Suzuki, and intriguing relief options including Tyler Rogers and Trevor Megill. The duo debate Austin Hays and Rob Refsnyder as viable platoon solutions, and weigh the impact of depth moves, pitching additions, and infield upgrades with names like Brendan Donovan and Jorge Polanco.Listener wish lists turn up bold trade scenarios—Adley Rutschman, Tristan Casas and demand a healthy roster, improved run prevention, and development breakthroughs. Will the Guardians make the right moves to take the next step in 2026? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!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. FanDuelToday's episode is

Cleveland Guardians miss out on Ryan Helsley as pressing bullpen questions mount. Is it time for a shift in their free agent strategy? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis assess the Guardians’ bullpen options after reliever targets like Helsley and Phil Maton sign elsewhere, debating realistic fits such as Luke Weaver, Shwan Armstrong, and Tyler Rogers. With Emmanuel Clase’s future uncertain and Sam Hentges departing for the Giants, we break down potential signings, health concerns with key arms, and whether Cleveland should embrace opt-out clauses to land higher-upside talent. We also discuss past free agency misfires, the risks and rewards of targeting proven closers, and how contract models could influence future deals. Can the Guardians add to their bullpen depth and attract impact arms in today’s market? 05:14 Evaluating Contract Buyout Strategies09:16 Ranking Remaining Reliever Options14:16 Top Realistic Relief Targets Remaining25:18 Sam Hentges Departure Explained28:07 Injury-Prone Pitcher's Career Woes29:54 Cl

The Cleveland Guardians need to seek game-changing roster upgrades as MLB offseason gets moving. Could Lars Nootbaar or Ketel Marte be the surprise additions that improve the lineup? Could the Guardians get creative to solve their offensive problems and shore up their bullpen, with the Cardinals, Rockies, Braves, Astros, Brewers, and Diamondbacks all emerging as intriguing trade partners?Justin Lada analyzes how Brendan Donovan and JoJo Romero fit Cleveland’s needs, why Rockies reliever Jimmy Herget could be a hidden gem, and whether Gavin Williams should headline a Marte package. The show also covers Justin's lessons learned from previous prospect rankings and biggest misses, as well as how the league is gearing up for next year's CBA negotiations with the Yankees crying poor.00:00 Guardians Talk: Trades & Prospects04:02 Steven Kwan Trade Speculation09:32 Rockies Primed for Offseason Deals15:03 Jake Meyers: Potential Guardians Fit16:50 Brewers Consider Megill Trade?23:54 Diamondbacks' Marte Trade Dilemma

Cleveland Guardians should feel good about the prospect of trading a pitcher for a hitter after the Sonny Gray deal between the Cardinals and Red Sox signals a seller-friendly landscape, with Logan Allen emerging as a prime asset. Can the Guardians flip a young starter for a coveted controllable bat like Brendan Donovan or Jesus Sanchez?Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis analyze the implications of the latest MLB trades and dissect the Guardians’ prospect pool in a dynamic Tools Draft. The show spotlights elite minor league talent—how does Travis Bazana’s hit tool stack up against Ralphy Velazquez’s raw power? We debate impact tools, positional value, and potential trade targets, while exploring pressing questions: Which Cleveland prospect has the best chance to help the big league lineup, and which rivals offer the best fit for a crucial upgrade?   00:00 Cardinals Trade Sonny Gray03:28 Cardinals' $20M Trade Surprise08:05 Logan Allen's Value as Lefty14:37 Selling Pitchers in Hot Market16:32 Annual Guardians Prospect

Cleveland Guardians’ search for impactful bats prompts a new strategy—can ramping up international signings and targeting under-the-radar power hitters like Seiya Suzuki finally solve their offensive drought? Jeff Ellis analyzes the latest trends in MLB hitter development, comparing the effectiveness of college, high school, and international prospects, and exposes why safe draft picks haven’t delivered for Cleveland. Trade talk heats up as Jeff Ellis explores Suzuki and Tyler Soderstrom as potential upgrades, weighing trade scenarios and their potential fit in the Guardians’ outfield. The episode also revisits the pivotal 2016 MLB Draft, spotlighting Cleveland’s successes with arms like Shane Bieber and Aaron Savalli while questioning missed opportunities, including the decision to pass on local talent Sean Murphy. Is it time for the Guardians to rethink their formula for building a contender? 0:00 – Guardians’ Hitting ProblemOpening thoughts on Cleveland’s inability to find or develop impact bats. Jeff Elli

Cleveland Guardians gamble on outfield depth as the non-tender deadline passes, betting $2 million on Nolan Jones to rebound as a depth or upside options for a lineup plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Can Jones—or any current option—solve the team’s persistent outfield woes and mediocre offensive production, or are the Guardians headed for another stopgap solution like Eddie Rosario and Domingo Santana?Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect the Guardians’ puzzling roster decisions, spotlighting uncertainty around George Valera, Chase DeLauter, and a crowded but underwhelming outfield. The guys weigh the risks of free agent options like Adolis Garcia, Austin Hays, and Lane Thomas, and questioning if Cleveland’s pitching surplus could net a true impact bat. With the winter meetings looming will the Guardians finally find a path to upgrade the outfield? 00:00 Guardians' Plans and Free Agency05:07 Nolan Jones' Swing Mechanics and Approach Analysis08:57 Free Agent Value vs. Roster Needs12:49 Guardians' Depth and

Cleveland Guardians face key offseason decisions as the non-tender deadline shapes the 2026 roster. Will Nolan Jones and Will Brennan remain key depth pieces, or will they be used to make room for new faces in the lineup? This episode spotlights trade targets like Jesus Sanchez and Tyler O’Neill, while weighing the risks of acquiring big bats with questionable approaches or injury histories. Is podcast favorite Ryan Feltner the perfect buy-low pitching opportunity, and would Alec Bohm or Adolis Garcia truly spark Cleveland’s offense?We also break down the Guardians’ evolving TV situation, revealing how Rob Manfred’s media rights missteps cost MLB $900 million—and what this means for fans’ access and team payroll. Are new deals with ESPN and streaming partners enough to keep the right price of TV money flowing and the league competitive? With free agency, arbitration, and trade season nearly here, every move will shape the Guardians’ chances in the upcoming season.05:10 DFA Candidates for cheap pickups, starti

Cleveland Guardians fans are still asking: Did the team miss out by drafting Travis Bazzana over 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz? Justin Lada, Jeff Ellis, and Baseball America’s Geoff Pontes break down the ripple effects of the Guardians’ recent draft classes. From Bazzana’s promising metrics and rapid Triple-A rise to Kurtz’s breakout season, the crew debates whether Cleveland should have regrets—and if a change in drafting philosophy is underway.  The show dives into the Guardians’ newfound willingness to target high-upside, riskier players like Jace LaViolette and Nolan Schubart, the organization’s historical focus on contact hitters, and how salary constraints impact player development strategy. Geoff Pontes offers insider perspective on prospects to watch, evolving MLB front office approaches, and what Cleveland must do to bridge the gap with juggernauts like the Dodgers. Will the Guardians’ new draft risks finally pay off?   00:00 Guardians Draft and Development Debate06:03 Travis Bazzana's Path t

Cleveland Guardians added prospects Angel Genao, Austin Peterson, Yorman Gomez, and Kahlil Watson on 40-man roster protection day, moves that shouldn't shock anyone. Can Genao finally fill the shortstop void left since Francisco Lindor’s departure, and will Watson’s high-risk power profile earn him a chance in the crowded outfield?Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis analyze each protected player’s upside, breakout potential, and impact on the organization’s depth chart, while unpacking tough decisions on arms like Nic Enright and discussing the fate of unprotected talents such as Steven Perez and Wuilfredo Antunez. We show tackle pitching depth, trade flexibility, and the looming challenge of trimming the outfield. Plus, breaking MLB trade news and what it could mean for the Guardians’ pursuit of offensive upgrades. 00:00 Guardians' Rule 5 Decisions05:28 Future Shortstop Prospects Discussion08:11 Roster Decisions and Depth Flexibility11:55 Guardians Podcast Gratitude & Updates13:19 Gomez's Growth Boosts Guardians1

Cleveland Guardians face a pivotal offseason as risk tolerance comes under the microscope. Is their cautious approach holding them back from World Series glory, or is it the secret to their consistent success since 2013? Hosts Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis debate the team’s strategy, comparing the Guardians’ record to MLB powerhouses like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Astros, while questioning how financial constraints shape Cleveland’s player acquisitions. The show predicts key Guardians decisions: 40-man roster moves such as Angel Genao, Yorman Gomez and Kahlil Watson. The episode break down past draft gambles, international signings, and the franchise’s trade track record. Can the Guardians embrace bigger risks to end their title drought? Get analysis and predictions on which Rule 5 candidates might make the cut as decision day looms. 00:00 Guardians Among MLB's Best04:29 Masterful Trading Success09:13 Guardians' Risk and Title Drought12:56 Cleveland's Focus on Hitters19:29 Draft Risks and Strategy21:53 Guardians

Cleveland Guardians' legendary Kenny Lofton trade tree stretches over 40 years—can one transaction shape a franchise for decades? Jeff Ellis unpacks the ultimate trade sequence in Cleveland baseball history, connecting players like Pat Tabler, Bud Black, David Justice, Marquis Grissom, and Corey Kluber through a web of deals that redefined the team’s legacy. From Lofton's initial acquisition to his surprising return, discover how each move impacted the Guardians’ lineup, bullpen, and draft assets. Also spotlighted are Josh Naylor’s new contract with the Mariners, the MLB’s drought of true power-hitting outfielders, and potential offseason targets like Taylor Ward and Brendan Donovan. Jeff Ellis analyzes the evolving market for sluggers, the pitfalls of fixating on home run stats, and why building roster stability matters more than ever for Cleveland’s playoff pursuit. Can the Guardians capitalize on history to build their future?  Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Show Intro & FormatJeff Ellis opens with an overv

Cleveland Guardians round out their coaching staff as Stephen Vogt brings in former Seattle Mariners colleague Tony Arnerich as bench coach—can this new dynamic spark a fresh approach for the Guardians’ dugout? Justin Lada highlights the importance of diverse perspectives on the staff and analyzes what Arnerich’s catching and hitting expertise will mean for Cleveland’s player development and game strategy.Projecting the 2026 Opening Day roster, Justin Lada suggests bold moves, including a potential trade for St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan and key roles for exciting young talents like Chase DeLauter and George Valera. The episode breaks down likely rotation arms such as Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee, bullpen targets like Phil Maton and Shawn Armstrong, and the value of platoon bats like Rob Refsnyder. Will Cleveland build a deeper, more flexible lineup for a playoff charge while balancing player growth and trade capital?05:12 Vote's Staffing Strategy in Cleveland09:17 2026 Roster Projection14:59 Guardi

Cleveland Guardians face tough 40-man roster decisions ahead of the Rule 5 draft. Angel Genao is a lock, but who's next? The show talks about Yorman Gomez's potential, Kahlil Watson’s high-risk, high-upside profile, and Austin Peterson’s reliable arm. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down which fringe players—Will Brennan, Nolan Jones, and others—could lose their spots as Cleveland manages its 40-man roster. The show highlights strategic Rule 5 protections, analyzes bullpen depth contenders like Steven Perez and Dylan DeLucia, and considers a blockbuster trade for Ketel Marte. Can the Guardians maximize their roster flexibility and address offensive needs before winter meetings?   00:00 Guardians Roster Decisions & Trades03:16 Prospect Protection Decisions Explained08:09 Kahlil Watson's 40-Man Roster Outlook09:44 Guardians Roster Moves  13:28 Key Player for Depth16:18 DeLucia's Rule 5 Draft Potential21:23 Promising Player with Athletic Roots23:22 Nolan Jones' Roster Spot30:34 Assessing Trades Involving St

Cleveland Guardians celebrate as Stephen Vogt clinches his second consecutive Manager of the Year award, joining an elite MLB club. Could this momentum spark a new era for the franchise? Jeff Ellis spotlights the addition of coveted coach Andy McKay, whose player development acumen and West Coast pedigree promise to reshape Cleveland’s on-field dynamics. The episode explores coaching chemistry, historical significance, and the transformative potential of this hire. Jeff Ellis reviews the Guardians’ approach to free agency, dissecting the realities behind one-year high-dollar contracts, the complexities of qualifying offers, and international market rumors surrounding Munetaka Murakami. Are the Guardians risking too much on second-round draft picks? Analysis reveals surprising draft trends since 2000, challenging conventional wisdom on asset management. From front office maneuvers to the future of Cleveland’s roster, this episode tackles the crucial decisions steering the Guardians’ offseason strategy. Will bo

Cleveland Guardians face a seismic bullpen shakeup as Emmanuel Clase’s future with the team ends abruptly—should Cade Smith remain the closer, or will the front office secure a proven arm to shore up late-game situations? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect the state of the Guardians bullpen heading into 2026, weighing internal options like wild card Daniel Espino against intriguing free agent targets such as Devin Williams, Phil Maton, and Ryan Helsley. The show dives into sharp takes on contract extensions, arbitration strategies, Rule 5 concerns, and which young arms might break through next season. Will the Guardians double down on development or make a splash in the reliever market? Find out how these roster moves could redefine Cleveland’s bullpen and playoff aspirations. 00:00 Guardians Bullpen & Free Agents06:27 Extend Cade Smith This Offseason13:08 Guardians Bullpen Struggles Persist14:13 Daniel Espino - Reliever or Starter?18:17 Roster Speculations and Relief Prospects24:43 Hunter Harvey Underval

Cleveland Guardians and MLB rocked by indictment of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz in betting scandal. What does this mean for them, the Guardians and the 2026 season? Prop bets, phone calls during games, and criminal charges surface as federal indictments detail a scheme going back to 2023. Is the league vulnerable to further repercussions, or could this controversy pressure Commissioner Rob Manfred to reconsider his approach ahead of the 2027 CBA?Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the scandal’s ripple effects on Guardians payroll, future free agency strategy, and clubhouse dynamics. Discussion highlights Ortiz’s trade timeline, legal threats facing Latin American players, and how the restricted list could shield Cleveland from salary obligations. Will the Guardians recover, and who steps up in their bullpen next season? 04:56 "Dominican Pitchers and Team Dynamics"07:47 Pitch Betting Controversy Explained12:11 Potential Threats and Team Impact14:32 Guardians Betting Scandal Investigation17:58 Gambling Scan