Analyst Names 2 Biggest X-Factors For Guardians In 2026

The Cleveland Guardians had one of the worst offenses in baseball last season, ranking 30th in MLB with a .226 team batting average and sporting a lineup that saw Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo serve as the only two hitters to hit more than 14 homers. It was a significant reason why the team floundered in the playoffs again on the heels of a second consecutive AL Central crown, and there is no question that the Guardians need to improve in this aspect heading into 2026.

Frustration is mounting a bit, as the Guardians are now in the mix to have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball after making no significant moves over the first few months of the offseason. With just weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report, it doesn’t seem likely that help is coming, so offensive improvements are going to have to come from within.

Cade Cracas of Sports Illustrated is of the belief that X-factors are going to have to emerge from this roster to help get to the next level. While big prospects such as Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana could provide a major boost in 2026, there are two established veterans he is looking at as the biggest X-factors.

“Who’s going to be the biggest X-Factor for the Guardians in 2026 NOT named Jose Ramirez or Steven Kwan? Gotta be Kyle Manzardo or Bo Naylor, right?” Cracas posted on X.

Who's going to be the biggest X-Factor for the #Guardians in 2026 NOT named Jose Ramirez or Steven Kwan?

Gotta be Kyle Manzardo or Bo Naylor, right?

— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) January 22, 2026

Manzardo and Naylor provided some pop last season with 27 and 14 homers, respectively, ranking second and third on the team. Despite the uptick in power, both have room to improve.

Manzardo hit just .234 and a .313 on-base percentage, but he has reportedly bulked up this offseason and can hopefully build upon his breakout campaign. Naylor hit just .195, which now represents a disturbing trend after he hit .201 in 2024, but if he can get closer to the .809 OPS he posted as a rookie in 2023, he could vault himself up into All-Star consideration, given how solid his defense is.

The offense needs more support around Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan, and these are the two veterans most capable of providing it. Hopefully, they each have more room to grow and can take that next step in 2026.