The Cleveland Guardians are doing what they were supposed to prior to the start of the season: consistently beat weaker opposition and be competitive against quality teams.
That approach has helped them achieve MLB’s best record so far, at 16-6.
Yes, they have had a relatively easy schedule to this point – they have faced the Oakland Athletics seven times and the Chicago White Sox three times, for example – but they have also beaten some direct foes in the American League like the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox.
The most impressive thing about the 2024 Guardians is that they are above-average in just about every department: rotation, bullpen, offense, defense, manager, and player development.
“Best record in @MLB right now: The @CleGuardians. Josh Naylor ranks third among all AL hitters in OPS. Second-best bullpen ERA in the sport. Great start to the Vogt Era in Cleveland,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
Best record in @MLB right now:
The @CleGuardians.
Josh Naylor ranks third among all AL hitters in OPS.
Second-best bullpen ERA in the sport.
Great start to the Vogt Era in Cleveland. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 22, 2024
Naylor’s ascent to the elite of the American League first basemen is not that surprising, if you watched him hit last year in the second half.
His 1.017 OPS is third in the junior circuit, and he is hitting .325 with six home runs and 20 RBI as of Monday afternoon.
He is the leader of the offense.
The pitching has been more of a team effort, though, and that’s evidenced by the Guards’ second place in bullpen ERA to this point.
Emmanuel Clase has been great as always, but other relievers have joined the elite.
Hunter Gaddis still has a perfect ERA after 10.2 frames, and Tim Herrin is at 0.79 in 11.1 innings, for example.
All of them have been led by the great work of manager Stephen Vogt.
Tougher tests are surely ahead, but so far, the Guards have done their homework and then some.
NEXT: Guardians Open The Week Firmly Atop MLB
