The reigning MLB Executive of the Year Chris Antontetti joined Baskin and Phelps today and added more clarity on the 2023 roster.
The Guardians who last week avoided arbitration with starters Shane Bieber, Cal Quantrill and Zach Plesac are expected to roll with those pitchers along with Triston McKenzie and Aaron Civale as the 2023 rotation.
“As we sit here today, that will be the likely group,” said Antonetti. “We believe we have some internal depth to fortify the rotation this season.”
The additions the Guardians did make this offseason included first baseman Josh Bell and catcher Mike Zunino.
“We were fortunate to get two of our primary targets, Josh Bell, who has a great track record and has had monster seasons,” added Antonetti “With Zunino he’s a guy who has been renowned for the way he leads a pitching staff.”
Antonetti was also asked about the reputation the Guardians have around the league when making deals.
“What we focus on is how to build the best team,” Antonetti stated “We concern ourselves with more executing the right deals and not paying a ton of attention to other people’s expressions or interpretation of that might be.”
The most recent news regarding the Guardians are there plans for renovations to Progressive Field that will begin after the 2023 season. The renovations are fan focused but will improve the on-field performance according to Antonetti.
“We are in need of some updates to better help our players, prepare, perform and recover in our quest to win a World Series”