In 2026, the Cleveland Guardians offense ranked 22nd in wRC+ with a 97 mark, 24th in runs scored with 678, 27th in home runs with 162, and 24th in batting average at .239. There’s no way around it: the unit was decidedly below-average.
While it’s true that they improved in the second half with Steven Kwan’s return to form, the acquisitions of Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe, and the promotion of Angel Genao, plus late-season rebounds from Travis Bazzana and Brayan Rocchio, you know they can (and should) be much, much better.
According to team insider Joe Noga, two specific batters have the potential to change the equation next year. It’s easier said than done, of course, but both of them are brimming with offensive talent: one of them was a breakout performer in 2026 and is just starting to scratch his ceiling, while the other had a down year and is primed for a bounce-back.
“With Chase DeLauter sort of stepping forward and emerging as a good all-around hitter and putting him in that number three spot, you allowed José Ramírez to move up in the order,” Noga said. “And I think once you get back a fully healthy José Ramírez next season, that’s going to make the lineup look a lot different as well.”
As things stand right now, the Guardians’ top three for next season looks exciting. Odds are that he’ll get traded at some point, but since it hasn’t happened yet, you can pencil Steven Kwan and his 114 wRC+ (and .382 OBP) last season at the top of the order.
Then, you have Ramirez, who had his worst campaign in over a decade with a 92 wRC+ and just 12 home runs in 544 plate appearances. A wrist injury that resulted in surgery is probably to blame for the down season, and the hope is that he can be much better in 2027. If next year brings with it vintage J-Ram, watch out.
DeLauter in the three-hole was the best hitter on the Guardians this year, racking up 30 doubles, 16 home runs, a 131 wRC+, and earning an AL Silver Slugger nomination. He has a chance to keep growing and explode next year, too, and if that happens, this offense can go from one of the worst in the junior circuit to one of the best.
The rest of the lineup is probably not as talented, although we have seen what players such as Adell, Bazzana, Rocchio, Patrick Bailey, and Genao can do. As long as the aforementioned trio is leading the way, however, the foundation is there for a solid campaign in 2027.
NEXT: 2 Reasons The Guardians Might Not Retain Jo Adell
