The Cleveland Guardians usually have excellent pitching and defense, but mediocre offenses.
That has been the case in the last few years, at least.
The organization does a fantastic job developing hurlers and scrappy, speedy, and contact-oriented position players, but consistent power is usually in short supply.
There is a chance, however, that things can start to change in 2026, and it all starts at the top of the lineup.
Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and Jose Ramirez were the first three hitters in Sunday’s 8-3 win over the Colorado Rockies, and the trio looked excellent with four hits (one home run), three runs scored, three RBI, and a double.
There is a case to be made that they should be the first three names in the Opening Day lineup, too.
“The Kwan-DeLauter-Ramírez top of a lineup is something Hoynes described plainly on the podcast as ‘dangerous.’ That’s not hyperbole — that’s what this roster looks like when DeLauter is standing upright and swinging freely,” Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast wrote.
Kwan needs no introduction: he blends contact with plate discipline, some power, and speed, making him an ideal choice for the leadoff spot.
His .351 career OBP looks good at the top of any order, and even though he put up a disappointing .330 last year, we all know he is capable of more.
DeLauter is as injury-prone as they come, but he’s healthy now and has a good chance of making the team.
We haven’t been able to watch him thrive over a full campaign because of injuries, but he has the kind of impactful bat speed you look for in a young player, combined with good plate skills and contact.
Over a full MLB season, he is very much capable of knocking at least 20 balls out of the park with a .280 batting average and a .340 OBP.
Ramirez is, simply put, the best third baseman in the league and one of the most consistent hitters of the last 10 years.
He is still a star, having hit 30 homers with 44 steals and a 133 wRC+ last year.
After that trio, the Guardians have talent, but there’s a significant dropoff.
Manager Stephen Vogt should deploy those three names at the top, and the Guardians’ offense should be in good shape.
The idea of using George Valera in the second hole has been gaining steam in recent days, but DeLauter’s bat-to-ball skills are better and make him less prone to extended slumps.
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