The fact that the Cleveland Guardians’ offense was not good in 2025 isn’t exactly a secret. They are a well-run organization with excellent scouting and player development resources, and their pitching is usually solid and deep, yet the offensive output hasn’t always been there in recent years.
Their 87 wRC+ ranked 28th out of 30 teams last year, and they scored the fewest runs in the American League with 643. Imagine what this team, fresh off winning an AL Central title under those circumstances, could do with a competent offense.
Well, it’s fair to say they got off to a blistering start on Opening Day on Thursday in Seattle. They beat the Mariners 6-4 thanks to two home runs by star rookie Chase DeLauter, but the entire offense was relentless all night.
They got 12 hits, including a whopping six that went for extra bases: the two round-trippers by DeLauter and doubles by Jose Ramirez, Rhys Hoskins, Daniel Schneemann, and Brayan Rocchio.
It’s safe to say that the Guardians didn’t really reach the 10-hit mark too many times last year. Things are looking very promising on that front this time around, though.
“The Guardians had 10+ hits 38 times in 2025, the second fewest in MLB, ahead of only the Angels (36). They’re 1-for-1 in 2026,” team insider Tim Stebbins, who covers the team for MLB.com, posted on X.
The Guardians had 10+ hits 38 times in 2025, the second fewest in MLB ahead of only the Angels (36).
They're 1-for-1 in 2026.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) March 27, 2026
The 12 hits are, of course, impressive, but the most surprising part was the six extra-base hits. Cleveland just didn’t show too much pop last year. And it wasn’t just DeLauter’s power showing: it was all the two-baggers, too.
If this club is able to hit it to the gaps and the seats with any kind of consistency, look out: they have the pitching infrastructure to go far if the offense backs it up.
They did all this against a proven ace like Logan Gilbert and a very solid Mariners bullpen. The Guardians are going to win often on nights in which their offense produces five or six runs because they have a very competent rotation and an underrated bullpen, not to mention a solid manager and a talented group of coaches behind him.
The season is long, and Cleveland has played just one game. However, it’s hard not to feel excited about this team and its potential.
NEXT: Rhys Hoskins Already Has A Career Milestone With Guardians
