3 Guardians who should be inked to contract extensions before the Dec. 1 lockout

Writing for Away Back Gone, Michael Smith argues that the Cleveland Guardians should sign three key players to contract extensions before an impending December 1 lockout. The writer proposes long-term deals for starting pitcher Parker Messick, outfielder Chase DeLauter, and relief pitcher Cade Smith, pointing to early extension models utilized successfully by clubs like the Atlanta Braves.

Smith suggests an eight-year, $160 million deal for Messick following his 2.59 ERA campaign across 39 starts. For DeLauter, who slashed .287/.363/.457 as a rookie, Smith recommends a nine-year, $135 million extension, while proposing a seven-year, $56 million pact for Smith after he led Major League Baseball in saves.