Sometimes, looking at the win-loss record in MLB doesn’t tell the whole story.
If you really want to know how well a team is doing, take a look at its run differential, too.
When a ballclub is showing elite run differential and the league’s best record, you know there is some sustainability to what they are doing.
That’s your Cleveland Guardians right there.
Not only do they have MLB’s best record at 16-6, but they also have the biggest run differential in the league at +52.
That run differential is historically relevant for the franchise.
To be more specific, it’s the fourth-largest differential in the history of the Guardians through 22 contests.
“CLE Franchise History, Best Run Differential through 22 Games: 1921: +60; 1948: + 58; 1959: +57; 2024: +52; 1999: +47; 1995: +45; 1941: +40; 1988: +40; 1920: +36; 1913: +35,” Cleveland Stats tweeted.
CLE Franchise History
Best Run Differential through 22 Games:
1921: +60
1948: + 58
1959: +57
2024: +52
1999: +47
1995: +45
1941: +40
1988: +40
1920: +36
1913: +35pic.twitter.com/KTE8aKodft— Cleveland Stats (@CLE_STATS) April 21, 2024
There have been incredibly talented Guardians teams throughout history.
Just out of those examples, you have two World Series-winning squads: 1920 and 1948.
It’s extremely premature to discuss the 2024 Guardians’ World Series chances, but the fact they are looking extremely good after 22 games is undeniable.
There have been many changes from last year, including a new manager and not having their ace around for the rest of the season.
Yet the young Guardians have shown incredible maturity and composure.
Cleveland is taking the season one step at a time, showing competitiveness in every game and respecting every foe.
They have beat both good and bad teams.
The job is far from done, though: there are over five months to go.
For now, though, let’s all agree that Cleveland has been MLB’s most pleasant surprise to this point.
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