The Cleveland Guardians aren’t like most MLB teams.
They don’t buy, they build, and it shows.
As pointed out by Guardians Prospective on X, you just have to take a look at their lineup for Game 2 to realize how good their development system has been:
More than that, the fact that they have three rookies in their lineup (George Valera, C.J. Kayfus, and Chase DeLauter) isn’t only a testament to the confidence they have in them but also about how competitive this team could be for many more years to come.
“Every player in today’s starting lineup for the Cleveland Guardians except Manzardo and Arias including the starting pitcher was homegrown through the player development system,” via Guardians Prospective.
Every player in today's starting lineup for the Cleveland #Guardians except Manzardo and Arias including the starting pitcher was homegrown through the player development system.
LF Kwan (2018 Draft)
RF Valera (2017 Int FA)
3B Ramirez (2011 Int FA)
DH Manzardo (Trade Rays)
C…— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) October 2, 2025
Of course, that’s not to say that the front office will change its usual m.o.
As such, they could opt to hold onto just a couple of them and part ways with others once they start to get a little too pricey.
Even so, as frustrating as that approach to roster-building might be, it’s hard to argue with the results.
The Guardians have the lowest payroll among all playoff teams, and we’re talking about the same core of players that made it to the ALCS last season.
This team should be competitive for years to come, especially if another homegrown talent like Travis Bazzana makes his way to the majors next season as expected.
It’s not easy, and it takes a lot of patience.
Some players will turn out to be busts, and there’s no such thing as a can’t-miss talent.
But with the way this team has operated, they’ve certainly earned the benefit of the doubt.
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