The Cleveland Guardians went 92-70 in 2022 and 76-86 in 2023.
Nobody really knows this team’s ceiling, floor, and expected performance heading into 2024.
The rest of the AL Central has improved considerably, most notably the Kansas City Royals, and while it seems Cleveland has had a mediocre offseason, people often fail to remember that they have a healthy contingent of promising young players, and those tend to improve with time and experience.
Kyle Manzardo, Johnathan Rodriguez, Brayan Rocchio, Bo Naylor, Gabriel Arias, Deyvison De Los Santos, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Juan Brito, Tyler Freeman, Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and many others are under 25 and in or close to the majors.
Who is to say a few players of that group won’t break out and increase the Guards’ ceiling?
Speaking of ceiling, their manager Stephen Vogt discussed it.
Hint: he doesn’t think a ceiling exists for this team.
“#Guardians Stephen Vogt on @afternoon923FAN: ‘I don’t think there is a ceiling. You’re talking about a core that’s really young. Guys are crushing baseballs in BP. Our players are hungry. They look good, we feel really good about where our offense has the chance to go this year,'” 92.3 The Fan tweeted, using Vogt’s remarks.
#Guardians Stephen Vogt on @afternoon923FAN: "I don't think there is a ceiling. You're talking about a core that's really young. Guys are crushing baseballs in BP. Our players are hungry. They look good, we feel really good about where our offense has the chance to go this year"
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) February 16, 2024
The Guardians might still need a power hitter or two to navigate the season, but the “tomorrow” is looking very, very good.
Perhaps some of those players break through and help turn “tomorrow” into “today”.
That is certainly a plausible scenario.
The Guards might not enter the season as AL Central favorites, but to say they aren’t dangerous would be underestimating them.
NEXT: Guardians Make Sure To Show Off A Rising Star
