You could say that, in a way, the Cleveland Guardians usually go as far as their offense takes them.
The team missed the postseason last year and ranked 27th in runs scored in MLB, with 662.
This season, they made it all the way to the American League Championship Series with an average offense: they ranked 14th with 708 runs.
When they have a top-five offense, they are really good and their celling increases: for example, in 2016, they made it to the World Series and ranked fifth in MLB with 777 runs scored.
Here are the Guards’ rankings in the last 10 years, courtesy of Guardians of the Land.
“Cleveland’s Team Runs Scored with Overall Rank in MLB: 2024: 708 (14th), 2023: 662 (27th), 2022: 698 (15th), 2021: 717 (18th), 2020: 248 (24th), 2019: 769 (15th), 2018: 818 (3rd), 2017: 818 (6th), 2016: 777 (5th), 2015: 669 (18th), 2014: 669 (11th),” they posted on X.
Cleveland's Team Runs Scored with Overall Rank in MLB:
2024: 708 (14th)
2023: 662 (27th)
2022: 698 (15th)
2021: 717 (18th)
2020: 248 (24th)*
2019: 769 (15th)
2018: 818 (3rd)
2017: 818 (6th)
2016: 777 (5th)
2015: 669 (18th)
2014: 669 (11th)*Covid-shortened season
— Guardians of The Land (@OurCLEGuardians) October 20, 2024
This situation presents itself mainly because Cleveland is usually near the elite of the league in other key departments.
They are usually excellent when it comes to pitching, particularly in bullpen play.
This year, the Guardians had one of the best bullpens in recent memory, unquestionably the best unit in the league.
Starting pitching play was inconsistent and heavily affected by injuries, though.
Team defense was, as always, phenomenal.
Even with an average offense and mediocre starting pitching, the Guardians were one series win away from playing the Fall Classic.
That gives them a strong foundation to work on the offseason, to try and bring in a couple of impact starters and to increase the ceiling of the lineup.
If they are creative and are willing to invest a bit more than they usually do, the 2025 Guardians might be even better than the 2024 edition.
NEXT: MLB Insider Questions Guardians Strategy When Facing Slugger In Key Game 5 Spot
