Regardless of a quiet offseason, the Guardians returned to competition in 2024. They gained 92 video games and the AL Central crown earlier than falling to the Yankees within the ALCS. As November approaches, two associated questions loom massive for this workforce: Will the shocking success of their rivals in Detroit and Kansas Metropolis persuade the Guardians to do extra this winter to defend their division title? Or will the potential lack of native media income result in one other gradual offseason?
Assured Contracts
José RamÃrez, 3B: $88MM by means of 2028
Andrés Giménez, 2B: $96.86MM by means of 2029 ($23MM membership choice for 2030 with $2.5MM buyout)
Myles Straw, CF: $13.8MM by means of 2026 ($8MM membership choice for 2027 with $1.75MM buyout and $8.5MM membership choice for ‘28 with a $500K buyout)
Emmanuel Clase, RHP: $11.3MM by means of 2026 ($10MM membership choices for 2027 and ‘28 with $2MM buyout for ‘27 and $1MM buyout for ‘28)
Trevor Stephan, RHP: $5.8MM by means of 2026 ($7.25MM membership choice for 2027 with $1.25MM buyout and $7.5 membership choice for ‘28 with no buyout)
Extra Monetary Commitments
Jean Segura, INF: $2MM buyout owed on $10MM membership choice for 2025
Whole 2025 commitments: $45.17MMWhole future commitments: $225.26MM
Arbitration-Eligible Gamers (service time in parentheses; wage projections by way of MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz)
Non-tender candidates: Karinchak, McKenzie, Hentges
Free Brokers
The highest groups are sometimes probably the most well-rounded, however the 2024 Guardians have been outlined by their strengths and weaknesses. Their bullpen was the perfect in baseball, however their starters have been unreliable for a lot of the 12 months. In the meantime, their offense was glorious in opposition to left-handed pitching however struggled to attain in opposition to righties. They have been additionally one of many higher defensive groups within the league by nearly each metric, however their baserunning numbers have been surprisingly mediocre. At the beginning, the Guardians must deal with their scoring, and never run prevention, this winter. That stated, they might badly use a pair extra dependable choices for the rotation.
All-Stars José RamÃrez and Steven Kwan led the offense in 2024, they usually’ll be again on the prime of the order once more subsequent 12 months. Even the notoriously stingy and trade-happy Guardians wouldn’t probably half with their star third baseman, who continues to appear to be an absolute discount on the seven-year, $141MM extension he signed in 2022. As for Kwan, the left fielder is a robust extension candidate himself after one other terrific season.Â
Extra veterans within the lineup embrace the slugging Josh Naylor at first base, defensive stalwart Andrés Giménez at second, and commerce deadline acquisition Lane Thomas in middle subject. Kids Kyle Manzardo (DH), Bo Naylor (C), and Brayan Rocchio (SS) ought to have spots in subsequent 12 months’s beginning 9 as properly. All three had up-and-down seasons, however contemplating their latest prime prospect standing, there’s little purpose to suppose they gained’t get to proceed their growth with the large league membership in 2025. Certainly, one of the simplest ways for Cleveland to enhance its offense subsequent 12 months might be to get extra manufacturing out of Manzardo, Bo Naylor, and Rocchio.
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