The Cleveland Guardians are positioned to win a third straight AL Central crown in 2026, though the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers should be even better than they were last year and will give them a run for their money. Regardless of what happens, it’s impressive what kind of success Cleveland has had in recent years, given the team’s payroll constraints.
The Guardians are positioned to have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball and did next to nothing this offseason to upgrade the roster, but that has never stopped them before. There is a ton of talent on this team that can easily push Cleveland to another playoff berth, though hopefully this year’s playoff run ends better than the last two.
Baseball’s Greatest Moments recently shared a stat on how successful the Guardians have been over an extended period of time. They showed which teams have the best records in baseball from 2001-2025, and Cleveland ranks seventh.
“MLB teams with the best records from 2001-2025: Guardians – 2044 W, 1901 L,” Baseball’s Greatest Moments posted on X.
MLB teams with the best records from 2001-2025. pic.twitter.com/DfsZt5K6ym
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) March 4, 2026
The disappointing part of that list is that the Guardians are the only team in the top ten without a World Series victory. Everyone unfortunately remembers 2016, when the Guardians fell just short of taking down the Chicago Cubs in seven games.
These numbers are a testament to how consistent this organization has been. The other teams in the top ten are all spending much more money than the Guardians do, but Cleveland still somehow always finds a way, just like it will in 2026.
Two-time Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt feels great about his team and recently bragged about the shape everyone has come to camp in. He knows better than anybody that this roster is ready to roll despite the lack of big additions this offseason.
Vogt pointed out how great the team was down the stretch last year and believes his boys can do the same thing in 2026 on a more consistent basis. With the rotation rounding into form and the prospects surfacing to help bolster the lineup, the sky is the limit for the ’26 Guardians.
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