With the first month of the 2026 MLB season in the books, it is a good time to assess where all of the teams stand. As of today, the Cleveland Guardians look to be right where they deserve in the standings, sporting an 18-18 record that properly reflects the steady and unspectacular nature of their campaign so far.
Cleveland ended April with its first three-game losing streak of the season, and then opened May with its first three-game winning streak. The offense has been subpar, but the top of the pitching staff has been outstanding, so Cleveland has been able to maintain its status as a playoff contender in the American League.
The Guardians were given a notable grade by ESPN after the first month, earning a B from analyst David Schoenfield.
“It’s a Cleveland team: It doesn’t score a lot of runs (at least until Saturday’s 14-run outburst) and does a good job of preventing them. Gavin Williams has his occasional bouts of wildness but is turning into one of the most electric starters in the game while rookie left-hander Parker Messick was one of the top pitchers of April. If they remain one of the best one-two duos in the majors, the Guardians can hang around even if the offense remains subpar. Chase DeLauter has been impressive, joining Messick in the early Rookie of the Year watch. DeLauter has more walks than strikeouts, although he has hit only one home run since beginning the season with four in the first three games. He’s a big key, of course, but the Guardians will need more from the core of Jose Ramirez, Kyle Manzardo and Steven Kwan,” Schoenfield wrote.
Based on how average the Guardians have been in performance and results, a C grade may have been more fitting. However, this could be determined on a curve, as Cleveland is almost always perceived to be less than it is to start the season, and it is still challenging for first place in the AL Central despite its middling record.
Entering play Tuesday, the Guardians are tied for 19th in runs scored, thanks to a 22-run output in two recent games against the Athletics in offense-friendly Sacramento. Williams and Messick have combined for an 8-2 record, and Cleveland has won 11 of their 14 starts. But that means they are 7-15 in games started by Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, and Joey Cantillo.
After a long home run drought of 84 at-bats, DeLauter finally hit his sixth home run of the season, and his batting average is back above .200 with a .946 OPS thanks to his current eight-game hitting streak. However, none of Ramirez, Manzardo, or Kwan is batting above .220. Manzardo is a particular concern, as he was expected to be Cleveland’s primary power source but has just two home runs with 35 strikeouts in 95 at-bats.
The Guardians may be hard-pressed to maintain this lofty grade at the end of May if several of their players don’t turn their seasons around in a hurry.
NEXT: Tanner Bibee Opens Up About His Lack Of Run Support
