The 2026 MLB season is officially in the books after the Milwaukee Brewers captured their first World Series title on Wednesday night. Cleveland Guardians fans had to once again watch in admiration as another team stands tall at the end of the road, and it hurts a little more knowing how close they came, falling in six games in the ALCS to the Tampa Bay Rays and forever wondering if they could have put up a bigger fight against Milwaukee in the Fall Classic.
Once again, Cleveland’s shortcomings were on full display in October and this team heads into the offseason knowing exactly what it needs to do to improve. The team needs to add power, and whether or not it will do it remains to be seen, but one analyst believes that letting one power hitter walk would be a bad move.
During a recent episode of Cleveland’s Talking Heads, Andy Baskin and Jeff Phelps discussed outfielder Jo Adell’s contract status. Adell has one year left on his deal and despite some rough at-bats in the playoffs, Phelps believes it’s imperative he is kept in Cleveland.
“He’s a right-handed power bat. What have they been looking for for some time? A right-handed power bat,” Phelps said.
“He's a right-handed power bat. What have they been looking for for some time? A right-handed power bat.”
➡️ @CLETalkingHeads on why the #Guardians should keep Jo Adell for 2027 despite his postseason struggles and upcoming free agency. https://t.co/mU9WCWCwyU pic.twitter.com/5VTkx6zFpf
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 29, 2026
Adell drove in 32 runs in 48 games for the Guardians after being acquired ahead of the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Angels. Angel Martinez led the team with just 18 home runs in 2026 while Adell hit 23 combined between his two destinations after hitting 37 in his breakout 2025 campaign.
He didn’t go deep in the postseason, but Adell did hit two doubles and two triples while driving in eight runs in 11 games in October. He gave this team exactly what it needed following the trade and fans could easily envision him fitting into the equation in Cleveland for many years to come.
Given the current roster construction, Phelps is right. There is no way to justify potentially moving him this offseason and if he has another strong 2027 season, it would be wise for Cleveland to lock him up long term. The front office needs to add more power to this lineup, not subtract it.
NEXT: Insider Says Guardians Had A 'Missed Opportunity' In ALCS
