Guardians, intent on building toward playoffs, set for series vs. Mets

The Cleveland Guardians bolstered their postseason chances by acquiring All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and outfielder Jo Adell on trade deadline day Monday.

There should be a buzz in their ballpark on Tuesday night, when Cleveland continues its six-game homestand against the downtrodden New York Mets.

Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo (8-6, 3.88 ERA) takes on Mets lefty Sean Manaea (2-5, 4.42) in the three-game series opener.

Cleveland has lost eight of its last 11, falling out of first place in the American League Central into the final wild-card position, but added a trio who will provide immediate help. It cost them six minor leaguers, none high-level prospects.

"We feel like we have really fortified our team and given ourselves a chance to win another American League Central," said Guardians president Chris Antonetti, who estimated the moves added $4 million in salary.

"We did set out to improve the team because we're in a very competitive position in the division and in the American League."

Griffin returned to the majors with a splash after spending three years in Japan, going 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA for the Washington Nationals. He is a very late bloomer at age 31, only earning one career win prior to heading overseas.

Lowe had a .266 average with 12 homers and 37 RBIs with the Cincinnati Reds, while Adell was batting .239 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs for the Los Angeles Angels. Starting first baseman Kyle Manzardo and former All-Star David Fry were sent to Triple-A Columbus to make room.

"Obviously a lot to process," Antonetti said. "We've had preliminary conversations with (pitching coach Carl Willis and manager Stephen Vogt) about the rotation, but we'll take the next day or two to sort it out."

The National League East last-place Mets went in the opposite direction, unloading a bevy of players from arguably the most disappointing team in the majors. New York has the fifth-worst record in the majors despite opening 2026 with the highest payroll in baseball.

Right-hander Freddy Peralta -- a 2025 All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewers -- was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays after stumbling to a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts. His disappointing production mirrored that of his now-former squad.

"Not where we wanted to be at this point of the season," Mets president David Stearns said flatly. "Not what our players wanted at this point of the season."

Fellow pitchers Luke Weaver (Pittsburgh Pirates), Clay Holmes (Chicago Cubs), Brooks Raley (Philadelphia Phillies) and Huascar Brazoban (Chicago White Sox) were also shipped out of New York for a meager amount of big-league talent.

"Everyone who we traded gave a tremendous amount to this organization, competed like crazy," Stearns said. "Ultimately, the returns that we were able to get and we thought made sense, were in the best interest of the organization."

Cantillo struck out eight over four scoreless innings in his last start on July 29 at the Reds, being lifted after 89 pitches. He is 2-3 with a 4.69 ERA in 18 career interleague appearances (10 starts), but has not faced the Mets.

Manaea has worked six innings in his last two starts, giving up a combined three runs without taking a decision. He won his first three starts against Cleveland from 2016-17 with the Athletics, and is 3-1 with a 3.66 ERA in seven games against the franchise.

--Field Level Media