Former General Manager says free agent outfielder is about to sign for Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians fell just short of reaching the World Series this season, and during the club’s playoff run, it became abundantly evident what the squad needed to improve on in 2025 to perhaps overcome the adversity and return to the World Series.

The bullpen carried the team all year, and while the starting rotation needs to be improved, especially with Alex Cobb, Shane Bieber, and Carlos Carrasco set to enter free agency, the team also needs another big bat.

The offence struggled down the stretch and in the postseason, but former general manager Jim Bowden feels the team should pursue one good power-hitting outfielder on the free agent market.

“I wish I could give you Teoscar Hernández or Anthony Santander, but I don’t see either of those happening. If I put on a blindfold, spin around a few times and throw a dart … how about Tyler O’Neill? Remember, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while,” Bowden said.

Tyler O’Neill had one of his best seasons in his debut year with the Boston Red Sox, hitting 31 home runs in only 411 at-bats for an OPS of.847.

Santander and Hernandez would also be excellent choices, but both are more likely to land in larger markets with teams that spend more money than the Guardians.

O’Neill would be an excellent addition to the Guardians’ already strong roster, and we’ll see if this is more than just rumour.