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, starting with JJ Bleday

08:03 Skepticism Over Chris Morel's Potential

16:16 Is Ryan Feltner finally an option?

18:54 AJ Puk Rehab Potential

25:19 Avoiding Overpriced Struggling Outfielder

29:14 MLB Guardians Broadcast Update

32:24 MLB Broadcast Deals in 2029

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime

Download 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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Debate

06:03 Travis Bazzana's Path to MLB

13:34 Unexpected Player Developments

16:02 Cleveland's Shift in Draft Strategy

18:42 Risky Shift in Player Profile

21:32 Guardians: Risk Debate 2025

24:49 Guardians' Risk-Taking Strategy

29:28 Baseball Economics and Market Factors

31:16 Winning vs. World Series Ambition

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime

Download 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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Decisions

05:28 Future Shortstop Prospects Discussion

08:11 Roster Decisions and Depth Flexibility

11:55 Guardians Podcast Gratitude & Updates

13:19 Gomez's Growth Boosts Guardians

18:02 Rule 5 Gamble Justified

20:44 Guardians Roster Updates Explained

23:29 Dodgers Targeting Pitcher Potential

27:54 Steven Perez Rule 5 Outlook

30:05 Guardians' Minor League Commitments

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime

Download 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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.