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The three biggest issues facing the Guardians

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 7:57 PM ET

Highlights

Emmanuel Clase’s future looms large over the bullpen.
The Guardians still lack a true middle-order bat.
Rotation depth behind Tanner Bibee must be addressed.

The Cleveland Guardians had an amazing run. They trailed the Detroit Tigers by 15 ½ games in July, and yet, they hunted them down and won the American League Central. That run, the extended bullpen use and adrenaline needed to accomplish it, probably made their loss to the Tigers in the American League Wild Card Series predictable.

So, the Tigers head to Seattle to take on the Mariners and the Guardians are left at home with questions about next season. Here’s where they will start.

Emmanuel Clase’s Status — and the Ninth Inning

This is the domino. MLB placed Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28, 2025, amid a sports-betting investigation. Initially, through Aug. 31, the league and MLBPA extended the leave “until further notice.”

Contract-wise, Cleveland controls Clase through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. While Clase was sidelined, rookie Cade Smith stepped up, posting a 0.68 ERA in September and earning AL Reliever of the Month with seven saves. Smith’s poise under pressure was a breakthrough, but Cleveland knows one hot month doesn’t replace a two-time All-Star closer.

If Clase is cleared, the Guardians regain one of baseball’s most dominant arms—or a potential trade chip. If not, Smith becomes the presumptive closer, and the front office must prioritize another veteran leverage arm to stabilize the late innings. Clase’s case shapes everything Cleveland does this winter.

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. He was put on indefinite leave and is being investigated for gambling by MLB. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Can They Add Real Middle-Order Thump?

The Guardians’ pitching and defense carried them, but the offense couldn’t match. They ranked 28th in MLB in runs per game (3.95) and 29th in slugging percentage (.373). That lack of punch showed in October, when they scored just six runs across three Wild Card games.

It’s why Cleveland pushed Chase DeLauteronto the postseason roster and gave him a debut in Game 2. His upside is undeniable, but asking a rookie to carry the middle of the order is unrealistic.

The front office needs to bring in one proven run producer. A short-term free-agent deal for power or a trade built around prospect depth could balance the lineup and ease the burden on José Ramírez. The big question: will the Guardians spend? History suggests they won’t chase top-dollar bats, but the window created by their rotation makes it harder to stand pat.

What’s the Rotation Behind Tanner Bibee?

The Guardians reshaped their rotation at the deadline, sending Shane Bieber to Toronto and locking in Tanner Bibee with a five-year extension through 2029, plus a 2030 option. Bibee solidified himself as the new ace, posting a 3.14 ERA after the All-Star break.

Gavin Williams supported him with a 12–5 record and a 3.06 ERA, but injuries cut into depth. Ben Lively had Tommy John plus flexor repair in June and is out until 2026. That left Joey Cantillo starting Game 3 of the Wild Card—an early test that showed both promise and growing pains.

The Guardians can trust Bibee and Williams at the top and expect Cantillo to grow, but they still need a reliable veteran who can anchor the middle of the rotation. Someone who can give them 180 innings would prevent overreliance on rookies and set up the staff for another October push.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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