To say that the Cleveland Guardians had a roller coaster season would be a massive understatement.
They entered the campaign with high expectations coming off a trip to the ALCS.
However, their lack of offense was a major concern all year, and it hurt them during multiple stretches.
Yet, they still wound up making history to not only make the playoffs but also win the AL Central.
When asked his thoughts about the season, former manager Mike Hargrove had an interesting take.
“Kind of a tale of two seasons. Just didn’t play well at all in the first half and then they got hot. This was a combination of they got really hot and played really well for the last half of the season, and the [Detroit] Tigers absolutely cratered. You gotta give them a lot of credit. Steven Vogt, his insides are probably mush right now, after all that. You go through it and you gotta dial it back in your head so you don’t let your emotions run away with what’s happening and keep on being even-keeled,” Hargrove said.
Former Cleveland Indians manager Mike Hargrove explains how the #Guardians ERASED a record-breaking 15.5 games after the All-Star break.
"You gotta give them a lot of credit."
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— Object of the Game (@CoachKyleShow) October 7, 2025
The Guardians looked like a team that was ready to be sellers at the trade deadline.
They won nine games in June and trailed by as many as 15.5 games at one point in the season.
Then, just when it seemed like they didn’t stand a chance, they went on one of the greatest runs in MLB history to snatch the division title from the Tigers.
Granted, Detroit’s epic slide played a big role, as its collapse was as notable as Cleveland’s surge.
But it was quite encouraging to see that the Guardians were able to weather the storm, fight through thick and thin, and take care of business when it mattered most, even if they lost to the Tigers in the AL Wild Card round.
NEXT: Guardians Named Favorites To Sign Intriguing Pitcher Prospect
