The Cleveland Guardians have traded Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks, acquiring right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi in return.

Cecconi made his MLB debut in 2023 and was instrumental in Arizona's World Series run. With a career ERA of 5.72 and a solid strike zone command, he could fit well into Cleveland's rotation.

His fastball averages 94.4 mph, and while he needs to improve his off-speed pitches, his extension and potential make him a valuable addition to the Guardians' pitching staff.

The Cleveland Guardians are optimistic about Triston McKenzie as he prepares for the 2025 season. After a challenging 2024, where he struggled with a 5.11 ERA and was sent to Triple-A, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt believes McKenzie is on the right track.

Vogt noted that McKenzie is healthy and having a productive off-season, which could lead to a strong comeback. With improvements in command, McKenzie has the potential to be a key contributor in the Guardians' rotation.

Stephen Vogt has been honored as the American League Manager of the Year after leading the Cleveland Guardians to a successful season, culminating in a 92-69 record. Despite facing significant injuries to key players, Vogt's strategic management of the bullpen was pivotal, resulting in an impressive 2.57 ERA.

In his inaugural season as a manager, Vogt guided the Guardians to the AL Championship Series, marking a notable improvement from the previous year. His leadership earned him 27 of 30 first-place votes, showcasing his remarkable debut in the managerial role.

The Cleveland Guardians had a successful 2024 season, finishing with a 92-69 record and clinching the AL Central title. Key contributions came from Jose Ramirez, who nearly reached the 40-40 club, and Josh Naylor, who hit 30 home runs. The pitching staff excelled, particularly the bullpen led by Emmanuel Clase.

However, the Guardians faced challenges in the ALCS against the Yankees, where their bullpen faltered. The offense was heavily reliant on a few players, and injuries affected their starting rotation, particularly with Shane Bieber undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Looking ahead, the Guardians will need to strengthen their starting pitching and add depth to their lineup to remain competitive in 2025.