The Cleveland Guardians surprised many by making the playoffs again last season. They didn’t seem to stand a chance after winning just nine games in June, but they surged like few teams ever have in the second half of the campaign.
That being said, the team could use some help in multiple areas of the roster, and Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report urged the Guardians to address three key positions this offseason.
“Offseason Shopping List: Outfield, Starting Pitching, First Base,” Miller wrote. “Elsewhere, how confident is Cleveland in its rookie outfielders? George Valera and Chase DeLauter both made their MLB debuts in September, and the Guardians are likely going to enter spring training planning on starting that pair in right and center, respectively. Granted, it can’t go any worse than the complete lack of production they got from those two spots in the lineup in 2025. But it’ll be interesting to see if they bring in any veterans for insurance.”
The Guardians have plenty of talent all over the roster. What they don’t have, however, is another bona fide star behind Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan.
Kwan might be on his way out as a trade candidate, and players like Valera or DeLauter could turn out to be All-Stars. Then again, they’re young and inexperienced, and they each have a long history of injuries.
Even though the Guardians are stocked with young talent, that might not be enough. They need to spend some money on veteran free agents.
Yet, the organization seems more inclined to give C.J. Kayfus a bigger role at first base, while young pitchers Joey Cantillo and Parker Messick make the starting rotation.
That’s a huge gamble, and one that could be a franchise-changing decision if it pays off. But if it doesn’t, the Guardians might be playing catch-up for most of the regular season again in 2026.
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