The Cleveland Guardians came within two wins of the World Series this season, and they did it with one of the smallest payrolls in baseball. That accomplishment deserves credit, but it also raises an uncomfortable question as the offseason begins. How much longer can Cleveland keep competing for a pennant without spending more to support its roster? The Athletic’s Zack Meisel took a deep look at what went wrong in the American League Championship Series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays and what lies ahead for the organization. He pointed out that the Guardians reached the ALCS with a payroll of roughly $75 million, and he made it clear what he believes needs to happen next.
“There’s plenty of time to sort out what this operation could look like next season — whenever that might begin, assuming there’s a lockout — and what Ralphy Velazquez could provide and whether owner Paul Dolan, in perhaps his final season of majority control of the franchise, will invest more than the $75 million payroll the team somehow rode to the ALCS. And, once again, they clearly need more,” Meisel wrote.
Meisel noted that there is plenty of time to figure out what Cleveland’s roster will look like next season, especially with the possibility of a lockout delaying the start of the year. He raised several key questions, including what top prospect Ralphy Velazquez can contribute and whether owner Paul Dolan, who may be entering his final season as majority owner, will be willing to push the payroll beyond the $75 million that somehow carried the team to the ALCS.
Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, and if the league and players union cannot reach a new deal, a work stoppage could freeze the offseason and push back the start of the 2027 season. That would complicate any plans the Guardians have to improve the roster through trades or free agency.
The ownership situation is also worth watching. Investor David Blitzer has been positioned for several years to eventually take control of the franchise, and a change at the top could bring a different approach to spending. For now, though, the Guardians remain one of the most budget conscious teams in the sport.
Velazquez could be part of the solution from within. One of the organization’s top hitting prospects, he represents the kind of internal option Cleveland has relied on for years.
The need for offense is impossible to ignore. Cleveland finished 26th in the majors in OPS during the regular season and scored just ten runs over the final four games of the ALCS. Veterans like Nathaniel Lowe, Rhys Hoskins and Austin Hedges are headed to free agency, and Steven Kwan has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate entering his final season before free agency.
The front office has proven it can build a contender with limited resources. Cleveland has won three straight division titles and reached the playoffs eight times in the last twelve years. But with the franchise’s championship drought now at 78 years, Meisel’s point is a fair one.
The Guardians did a lot with a little this year. To take the next step, they likely need to do more.
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