The Cleveland Guardians are off to a nice 2-1 start in their first series of the 2026 season and will look to take the four-game set at the Seattle Mariners on Sunday night. It has been an exciting first three games against the team that many believe will represent the American League in the World Series this year, and it’s nice to see how the Guardians measure up against the best of the AL.
That being said, it’s still only three games, and questions remain. Local media legend Bruce Drennan reminded fans of one of those big questions recently when he talked about the team’s well-documented offensive imperfections.
During a recent episode of Bonus Time, Drennan discussed the young guys and the impact they are projected to have on the lineup.
He knows, as all Guardians fans do, that Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez will do their thing, but he believes a few others are ready to step up.
“The question is can we and will we score enough runs? It’s going to be up to DeLauter, Manzardo, Kayfus, Naylor, Martinez, and offseason pickup Rhys Hoskins. They’ve got to come through,” said Drennan.
Josey and Kwan will do their thing, but Bruce says the young guys are the key 👀
Which young guys are breaking out for the Cleveland Guardians this year? #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/xOFxOm5gHx
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) March 28, 2026
This is pretty much on par with what most media, fans, and those of us at Guardians Nation have been saying for quite some time. Ramirez and Kwan are as reliable as it gets, but it’s time for the others to pull their own weight if this team is ever going to make it to a World Series.
Through three games, Chase DeLauter has checked every box. He is on pace for 162 homers after he hit a 10th-inning opposite-field two-run shot off of closer Andres Munoz on Saturday to put the game out of reach. He is batting second between Kwan and Ramirez and can completely change the trajectory of this team if he can stay healthy and keep raking like this.
The others in the lineup haven’t hit their stride yet, but it has only been three games.
The top of the lineup is doing a great job setting the table, and for now, fans should just enjoy a potential star blossoming before their very eyes.
NEXT: Guardians Could Have Sleeper Arm In System
