The Cleveland Guardians should have one of the best bullpens in baseball this season once again.
Their starting rotation is looking better and better each day, with guys like Gavin Williams dominating, Luis L. Ortiz righting the ship after a horrendous opening outing, and Logan Allen and Doug Nikhazy accumulating zeroes.
The lineup, on the other hand, might represent more of a problem for Cleveland.
It has potential because it boasts many talented young hitters, but the floor isn’t as high as it is on the pitching side.
Guardians insider Zack Meisel offered his two cents about the lineup and named the most problematic areas.
“There are question marks at second base, at shortstop and catcher and other places. It’s one of many issues or concerns about this lineup.” @ZackMeisel on @CLETalkingHeads on #Guardians lineup,” 92.3 The Fan wrote on X, with Meisel’s words in Cleveland’s Talking Heads.
"There are question marks at second base, at shortstop and catcher and other places. It's one of many issues or concerns about this lineup."
➡️ @ZackMeisel on @CLETalkingHeads on #Guardians lineup ⚾
🔊 Listen: https://t.co/GqdSgD4lL3 pic.twitter.com/OxeSlnunyx
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) March 5, 2025
According to Meisel, the question marks in the Guardians’ lineup go well beyond the position battles at right field and second base.
Cleveland doesn’t know who will start at the keystone and right field.
The latter will likely involve a platoon with Will Brennan playing against righties and Jhonkensy Noel against lefties.
Lane Thomas, Brennan, and other hitters with prominent roles are not particularly good vs. righties, which severely caps the lineup’s upside in that specific game situation.
Losing Chase DeLauter, who could have been an asset vs. right-handed pitchers early in the season, also hurts.
The Guards should be solid against southpaws, though.
There are also other problematic situations regarding Cleveland’s lineup according to Meisel.
Shortstop remains an issue because as promising as Brayan Rocchio currently looks, he still had a .614 OPS last year.
As solid as Bo Naylor was as a minor leaguer and as a rookie in 2023, he still posted a mediocre .614 OPS in 2024.
As solid as Carlos Santana has been for most of his career, he will be 39 on the Guards’ home opener.
Kyle Manzardo is brimming with potential, and the same can be said about Juan Brito, but their ability to remain productive throughout a long season remains a mystery.
There are plenty of things to like about the Guardians’ offense, but also lots of question marks.
NEXT: Guardians Coach Says Star Rookie Could Win Opening Day Roster Spot
