The Cleveland Guardians don’t usually spend much on payroll under owner Paul Dolan or his father, Larry, before him. They consistently put together cheap rosters that have fallen short of the big goal, which is winning the World Series.
That doesn’t mean the Guardians aren’t competitive, though. Yes, they aren’t among the biggest spenders, but they have managed to win six of the last 10 AL Central titles since 2016, reaching the World Series in 2016 and the American League Championship Series in 2024.
This year, however, they have the second-lowest payroll in the league, which is certainly noteworthy. According to Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes, there are two valid reasons for the Guardians’ decision.
“The Guardians are ranked 30th out of 30 teams in payroll this year. Some of it has to do with preparation for the anticipated lockout by owners after the 2026 season. Most of it has to do with clearing a path for their young players, most of whom are making just around the major league minimum,” Hoynes wrote.
There is an impending lockout that, according to specialists, that could be worse than the one that took place after the 2021 campaign. That one lasted 99 days from December 2, 2021, to March 10, and delayed the 2022 campaign.
Owners, naturally, are wary of big salary commitments without knowing key things about contracts, arbitration, free agency, and other important concepts. The Guardians have been among the most cautious organizations in baseball with this in mind.
The main reason why Cleveland decided not to spend big on free agents this season was its abundance of young talent at multiple positions. Bringing in an outfielder could have blocked Chase DeLauter, George Valera, or CJ Kayfus. Signing a big-money second baseman would have represented an obstacle for Travis Bazzana, and splurging on a starter could have prevented Parker Messick from taking off.
All these players are making the league minimum.
These are just a few examples, but there are more around the roster. The point is the same: the Guardians felt their next wave of young talent would be ready to contribute in 2026, and for the most part, they have been right.
The team with the second-lowest payroll in baseball is currently 8-6 and leads the AL Central, so at least to a degree, the strategy is working.
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