The Cleveland Guardians have never been known for making a big splash during the MLB offseason. However, this time around, they have barely generated a drip.
With just some modest bullpen additions so far, Cleveland is in jeopardy of falling behind its rivals in the AL Central. While the teams around them improve, the Guardians have stood pat, hoping that internal growth will allow them to remain contenders.
With that in mind, The Athletic has named the Guardians as one of the teams that have gone “backwards” this offseason.
“The Guardians seem to be taking Ambien this offseason as they’ve done practically nothing outside of adding pitching depth with their signings of Shawn Armstrong, Colin Holderman and Connor Brogdon. For a team desperately in need of middle-of-the-order offense, it is disappointing that they haven’t done anything to address that area,” Jim Bowden wrote.
The Guardians are in some good company, ranked No. 3 behind the New York Mets at No. 1 and New York Yankees at No. 2 and ahead of the Cincinnati Reds at No. 4 and the San Diego Padres at No. 5. All but the Mets made the playoffs last season.
So, on the bright side, perhaps Cleveland’s status is based more on high expectations than a bleak forecast. After all, the Guardians are the two-time defending division champions and are coming off a historic rally to win the crown last season.
Yet, that also could be why fans and analysts are expecting them to do something significant to get over the hump and back to the World Series, particularly after making it to the ALCS in 2024. However, they are instead going to rely on prospects to improve their offense.
Rookie outfielders George Valera and Chase DeLauter are projected to be in the Opening Day lineup after being called up late last season. In addition, second baseman Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft, is expected to make his debut after being delayed by injuries.
Cleveland is also hoping for improved production from catcher Bo Naylor. However, counting on all of that, while possibly trading outfielder Steven Kwan, is a questionable strategy.
The Guardians have been able to find a way in their two seasons under AL Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt, but that luck is in danger of running out in 2026.
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