The Cleveland Guardians have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs.
They have one of the easiest remaining schedules, and they’re in the race for an AL Wild Card.
Nevertheless, analyst Daryl Ruiter isn’t high on the team, even if it does reach the postseason.
“They are a threat to nobody in the playoffs. I do believe they’re gonna get there, and a big reason why is they’ve gotten through the meat of the schedule. It’s a lot easier down the stretch. I think that they’ll get a wild card, they’re just not going to go anywhere. They’re not true contenders. The lineup is extremely weak, especially the bottom half of the lineup. It’s consistently inconsistent,” Ruiter said, via 92.3 The Fan.
🚨"They are a threat to no one in the playoffs… I think they'll get a wild card but they're not gonna go anywhere."@RuiterWrongFAN keeps it real with @Spencito_ on his expectations for the #Guardians the rest of the season.⚾
🔊: https://t.co/umiAuh9Z1w pic.twitter.com/ipgp5aibSz
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 21, 2025
He does raise some valid concerns.
Yet, multiple teams get hot when it matters most and go all the way despite not having the most talent.
The Guardians are finally catching fire after a disappointing stretch in June, gaining some momentum before the All-Star break and picking up right where they left off.
Ace Shane Bieber might need some time to go back to his old ways when he returns, but he could be a legitimate Game 1 starter in the playoffs.
Slade Cecconi has also been a welcome addition to the rotation, and even if Emmanuel Clase hasn’t been the unhittable machine he was last season, he’s still one of the best closers in baseball.
The Guardians also have one of the best players in the game in Jose Ramirez, and Steven Kwan is another legitimate star.
It’s not going to be easy, and perhaps Ruiter is more right about this team than fans would want to admit, but it’s not like the Guardians don’t stand a chance, especially in a win-or-go-home situation.
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