The start of the 2024 season has been magical for the Cleveland Guardians.
They have won six of the eight games they have played so far: three against the Oakland Athletics, two versus the Seattle Mariners, and the opener against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
Their fast start has them tied with the 5-1 Detroit Tigers at the top of the AL Central, against all odds.
It has been a collective effort, too: everybody, from the star of the team to the backup catcher, has contributed something.
There have been two players that have stood out, though: pitcher Shane Bieber and left fielder Steven Kwan.
Both lead the American League in important statistical categories.
“Shane Bieber leads the AL with 20 K’s. Steven Kwan leads the AL with 15 hits. The @CleGuardians are tied for the AL lead in wins with 6. Good start,” Guardians Live host Al Pawlowski tweeted.
Shane Bieber leads the AL with 20 K’s.
Steven Kwan leads the AL with 15 hits.
The @CleGuardians are tied for the AL lead in wins with 6.
Good start.
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) April 5, 2024
Bieber looks transformed compared to his 2023 version.
He worked hard during the offseason to move faster down the mound in his delivery, in an effort to regain some of the velocity he lost in 2022 and 2023.
He has mostly succeeded, sitting in the 92-93 mph range after averaging 91.3 mph in the last two years.
That has unlocked the rest of his arsenal, too, and has helped him post a perfect ERA through two outings and 20 strikeouts in just 12 innings.
Kwan is known for his impressive contact skills, plate discipline, and defense.
He is showcasing all three skills in the early going, and is slashing a cool .385/.400/.513 with a .913 OPS.
One is leading the pitching the staff, and the other is pacing the offense.
They have been the Guardians’ MVPs during the first eight contests.
NEXT: Guardians Already Making Franchise History In 2024
