How the Guardians Made the 2025 MLB Postseason

Thanks to a scorching hot September and a late-season collapse by the Tigers, the Guardians went from playoff outside to AL Central champion. It’s the third time in four seasons that Cleveland is going to the playoffs, thanks in large part to a very different-looking pitching staff.

An incredible September

Cleveland’s September run to the top of the AL Central will rank as among the most impressive ones in the 21st century. As of September 1, the Guardians were 10.5 games back of the Tigers in the AL Central. In fact, the Guardians were third in the division, behind Detroit and Kansas City.

But in September, Cleveland went 20-6 to get to 88 wins, finishing off their third division title in four seasons on the final day of the year.

The Guardians are the only team among the 12 to make it to the postseason to have a negative run differential (-6). Miami and Arizona (2023) were the last teams to make it to the playoffs with a negative run differential. And as far as division winners are concerned, the 2007 Diamondbacks were the last team to accomplish the feat.

In the final month, Cleveland outscored their opposition 120-69. The Guardians’ pitching staff, long a strength for the organization, came through once more.

Fantastic pitching

As one would expect out of a playoff team, the pitching played a key role for the Guardians.

Leading the charge was Gavin Williams, the third-year Major Leaguer who showed significant promise in 2023 but also struggled with walks across his first two seasons. This year, Williams still walked a lot of batters but was able to blow hitters like never before in his MLB career.

Williams finished 2025 among the top-30 in the league in whiffs in the zone (171), thanks to an eclectic arsenal that includes a booming four-seamer, as well as a curve and sweeper. And, he was among the best pitchers in baseball in the second half. His 2.18 ERA was fifth-best in the Majors (min. 50 IP).

Aside from Williams, Cleveland received a lot of help from Joey Cantillo, acquired years ago in the Mike Clevinger trade. His 2.48 ERA was 10th-best in the Majors in the second half, and he limited the hard contact, with three home runs allowed across 54 innings.

Parker Messick, promoted in August, gave the Guardians’ rotation yet another jolt. Messick’s funkiness and above-average changeup helped him strike out 38 over 39 frames and post a 2.72 ERA.

Between those three, as well as Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi, the Guardians’ rotation held up well over the final few weeks.

And as for the bullpen, it was again a strength. Leading the charge was Cade Smith, who ascended to the closer’s role in the second half. Smith picked up 13 saves and posted a .74 WHIP across the second half.

It’s incredible to think, especially when two of the Guardians’ bedrock pitchers over the decade were taken off the roster in September.

Shane Bieber, the former homegrown Cy Young winner who was rehabbing from UCL reconstruction surgery before the deadline, was dealt to the Blue Jays for prospect Khal Stephen. And Emmanuel Clase, a focus of many trade rumors thanks to his team-friendly contract and high demand for relievers, was placed on the restricted list along with Luis Ortiz in the summer.

Neither Clase nor Ortiz, who are being investigated for gambling, pitched for the rest of the 2025 campaign.

The same, reliable hitting group

Yet again, the Guardians’ offense wasn’t sexy on paper. But, it was effective.

Eight Guardians hit double-digits in home runs, including some interesting names. Bo Naylor, who hit .195 on the season, hit .280 with three home runs in September, to get to the mark. Naylor played a very important role for the Guardians over the final few weeks.

Gabriel Arias, also part of the Clevinger trade from 2020, hit 11 home runs and proved to be an effective defender (-4 OAA). The major hole in his game was the misses and chasing. His 39.8% K% over the final two months was second-worst behind only Colton Cowser (Orioles).

Kyle Manzardo blasted 27 home runs in his sophomore campaign, while Daniel Schneemann‘s power numbers jumped in 2025.

But, the real stars were — yet again — Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez.

Kwan continued to be the all-around weapon for Cleveland. He posted a .330 OBP, picked up 41 extra-base hits, and maintained a strong presence at the top of the Guardians’ lineup.

Ramirez, the anchor of the team, hit 30 home runs, stole a career-best 44 bases, and at 33 years of age, already built himself quite the resume for the Hall of Fame.

Aside from Ramirez, there are not a lot of household names on this team. But as noted earlier, the Guardians’ offense did just enough to give their pitching staff support.

What to expect in October

Like last fall, the Guardians will face the Tigers. But this time, it’ll be in a three-game Wild Card series. Not the ALDS, where the Guardians prevailed last October.

It’s never wise to rule out the Guardians, despite the fact that Cleveland will face Tarik Skubal in Game 1. One, the bullpen. Cleveland’s bullpen has a lot of different looks and, more importantly, depth.

Two, the Guardians, much like the Tigers were in 2024, are a “chaos” team. Cleveland’s offense can manufacture inconspicuous hits. A run here and a run there can make a major difference in a three-game series.

And if Cleveland can get to Seattle come this weekend, who knows what will happen.