The 2026 MLB regular season is not officially over yet, but with just three or four games remaining on the schedule for most teams, we have a pretty good idea of how each squad did according to their own expectations. Despite a rather middling 82-76 record to this point, the Cleveland Guardians have achieved most of their objectives.
Carried by a strong pitching staff and an offense that has quietly surged after the trade deadline, the Guardians are in a good position in the final week. They are one game ahead of the Chicago White Sox in the fight for the AL Central, and could make the playoffs as soon as Thursday with a win or a loss by either the Houston Astros or the Texas Rangers.
ESPN writer David Schoenfield gave every MLB team a grade for their work in the regular season. The Guardians got a solid B and a positive review.
“They always reach their level. That’s mostly because the pitching is usually good and sometimes great. They’re the only team with four starters with at least 30 starts (no other team has more than two), and then they added Foster Griffin at the trade deadline. Rookies Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana rank Nos. 1-2 on the team in OPS+. Throw in team MVP Parker Messick — he’s 12-9 with a 2.55 ERA — and this might be the best rookie class in franchise history,” Schoenfield wrote.
Even with superstar Jose Ramirez failing to put up his usual excellent numbers, the Guardians have thrived in part because of their fantastic pitching staff. Gavin Williams is among the league leaders in strikeouts, and Parker Messick has a 2.55 ERA and has developed into a young ace.
However, and perhaps more importantly, several young hitters have taken a step forward. DeLauter (132 wRC+) and Bazzana (111 wRC+) have been reliable and productive, and Brayan Rocchio improved offensively to add to his solid defense. Despite a slow start, Steven Kwan is back to his best and leads off an improving lineup with his well-above-average 113 wRC+.
Additionally, outfielder Angel Martinez has 17 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and a 110 wRC+. Catchers Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges have been defensive stars behind the plate and surprisingly competitive with a bat on their hands.
The bullpen has been amazing as usual, with Cade Smith already racking up 40 saves and Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis, Daniel Espino, Matt Festa, and Tim Herrin all shining.
The Guardians are an excellent all-around team that is peaking at the right time. If they end up punching their ticket to the postseason, they will be extremely dangerous there.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Remains Confident In Guardians’ Postseason Hopes
