Though it should be hard to argue with success, that doesn’t stop people from taking swipes at the way the Cleveland Guardians go about their business. But maybe that’s a good thing, because they see such great potential within the organization.
Despite dominating the AL Central over the past decade, the Guardians haven’t gotten back to the World Series since 2016. That is why fans and analysts are frustrated by their lack of a significant acquisition, particularly this offseason.
In fact, Bleacher Report recently named the Guardians as a team on “disaster watch” in 2026, due to a seeming lack of urgency from the front office.
“Yeah, yeah. It’s the Guardians. They’re not exactly known for loud offseasons, so maybe nobody has any right to be alarmed that they have done only $11.9 million worth of free-agent deals and sat out the trade market. Still, though, shouldn’t there be more urgency in Cleveland than … this? The Guardians just won the AL Central for the third time in four seasons, but this last one was as much due to the Detroit Tigers’ collapse as the Guardians’ strong play down the stretch. This offseason needed to be about getting better. That was supposed to be the idea, notably where the outfield was concerned. Yet the club has largely been silent, even though it can spend another $23 million before its 2026 payroll eclipses its 2025 payroll,” Zachary D. Rymer wrote.
This isn’t the only recent sounding of alarm bells. The Athletic named the Guardians as one of the teams that have gone “backwards” this offseason, and they are in the bottom half of MLB.com’s power rankings.
On the one hand, it is a fair argument. Cleveland’s offense was among the worst in baseball last season and it seemingly made the playoffs in spite of it. It also could get worse if All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan is traded away.
On the other hand, the Guardians were able to make history by overcoming the largest deficit to ever win an MLB division. They have a legitimate offensive superstar in Jose Ramirez, and two-time AL Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt has shown he can always get the best out of whatever he has to work with.
In addition, the time has come for heralded prospects George Valera, Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana to join the Opening Day lineup with their significant upside. Kyle Manzardo should bring more pop, and catcher Bo Naylor might contribute more as well.
Plus, offense is only one part of the game. Cleveland has an up-and-coming starting rotation led by Gavin Williams, and Cade Smith showed he has the potential to become an All-Star closer after taking over for the banished Emmanuel Clase.
All in all, the Guardians likely have enough to contend for the division title again, despite what the naysayers may believe.
NEXT: Guardians Get No Love In Early 2026 Power Rankings
