Based on their payroll alone, the Cleveland Guardians usually need just about everything to go right to be a contending team. Sometimes, like last season, they can overcome significant setbacks to get to the playoffs, though it did require a historic comeback to do so.
Entering the 2026 season, the Guardians had a clear plan that, on paper, looked to make complete sense. They were going to rely on their wealth of young talent to provide improvement from within, and then count on superstar Jose Ramirez and fellow All-Star Steven Kwan to handle the rest.
However, if things start to go wrong, that plan could fall apart. Unfortunately, that may already be the case with about a week to go before Opening Day.
Analyst Jeff Ellis recently revealed why he’s “nervous” about the 2026 Guardians, and it has a lot to do with injuries that have occurred during spring training.
“Just looking at this team, in general, I think we’re going to spend a good chunk of this year, because of the players on the team, because of the situation, because of some of the depth concerns with that bullpen, in nervous mode. I think it’s going to be a little bit impossible to not be nervous watching this team due to the injury history and due to when you’re a small-market team, you just can’t afford the depth of, say, the Dodgers,” Ellis said.
Most significant is the injury suffered by Ramirez in a recent game against the Athletics. Cleveland’s most irreplaceable player jammed his shoulder while stealing third base, though manager Stephen Vogt did not deem it to be serious. However, any type of shoulder injury could linger for a batter, and any decline in production from Ramirez, who undoubtedly will try to play through it, may be the one thing that the Guardians cannot overcome.
In addition to that, top prospect Chase DeLauter has been bothered by lower-body soreness this spring. That would not be a cause for alarm in most cases, but the rookie outfielder is seen as a crucial part of Cleveland’s lineup this season, and he has not played more than 57 games in any of his three minor league seasons after also dealing with injuries in college.
As for the pitchers, top setup reliever Hunter Gaddis has been sidelined with tightness in his forearm. Though that can be a precursor to Tommy John surgery, an MRI did not reveal that kind of damage. However, with closer Cade Smith also sitting out with a stiff neck before returning to action, the bullpen could dissolve quickly if either misses more time.
Sometimes, it is not how many injuries, but who suffers them and where, that can derail a season before it starts, so the Guardians have to hope that will not be the case here.
NEXT: Guardians Could Consider Key Moves Amid Packed Outfield Roster
