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Sep 3, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) hits a two run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Why The 2026 Cleveland Guardians Will Surprise People

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Chris Paterakis | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 3:56 PM ET

The MLB offseason is officially over, and Spring Training is here. The Cleveland Guardians had a rather quiet offseason, having signed mostly relief pitchers. Why, you might ask? That is because the Guardians are banking on their top hitting prospects to breakout. Some of the top guys to watch this season are Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana, and George Valera.

Expectations are high for these guys, and the Guardians‘ lineup will greatly depend on them. The rest of the lineup will look very similar to 2025 with Jose Ramirez leading the group. Cleveland finalized a seven-year extension a couple weeks ago with Ramirez , and Steven Kwan and Kyle Manzardo will also be depended on for offense after very solid 2025 seasons. Outside of those players, there are plenty of question marks about where the offense will come from.

Why Cleveland Should Be Optimistic

If this lineup can live up to its potential, then the Guardians have one of the best young cores in baseball. Travis Bazzana was the former #1 overall selection in 2024, dealt with some injuries but the tools are certainly there. Chase Delauter has been a top prospect for years and similar to Bazzana just has to stay healthy. Infielders Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio have been the definition of inconsistent, but 2026 could be the season they figure it out.

The Pitching Staff is the heart sole of the Guardians team. Last season Gavin Williams broke out with a 3.06 ERA. Tanner Bibee had an up and down season, but is a great #2 option in the rotation. Looking to the rotation and bullpen, they will holds their own, so the question comes down to how will they score runs?

Jose Ramirez has been arguably the best third baseman in baseball for awhile now, so his production will remain consistent. Steven Kwan is a perennial gold glove winner while hitting a career .281 average. Kyle Manzardo showed off his power last season hitting 27 home runs and driving in 70. It ultimately comes down to the other six bats and what offensive players they can become.

The Guardians are also going into the season with the back to back American League manager of the year. Steven Vogt arrived two seasons ago and has won the AL Central both seasons, and made it to the ALCS in 2024. Vogt has gotten much recognition for what he does with a low market team and the level of play he gets out of them.

The Reality Of Guardians Baseball

The unfortunate part of watching this Guardians team, is dreaming of what they could become with investment from ownership. As of today, the 2026 Guardians come in with a $94 million dollar payroll, ranking them 29th only ahead of the Miami Marlins. Outside of Jose Ramirez, Cleveland has no big dollar players on the roster. Much of this is the reason why Francisco Lindor, Josh Naylor, and Shane Bieber were traded away. This is where the emphasis on prospects developing comes from.

Cleveland knows they aren’t going to be players in Free Agency or even the trade market. Knowing this they have to invest resources in drafting well and developing the players in the farm system. Why 2026 could be a good season for Cleveland, is the fact many of these “top” prospects are ready to make their impact for the Guardians.

Oct 1, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Chase DeLauter (34), catcher Bo Naylor (23) and outfielder George Valera (35) celebrate after winning game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

End of My Cleveland Guardians Rant

As the season approaches, there is much to excited about in Cleveland. Many experts and analysts have counted out the Guardians like they do every season. This roster may not be the strongest on paper, but the effort you get out of these players is next to none. The term “Guards Ball” sticks with this club for the ways they win and untraditional approach to the game. With that being said expect Cleveland to be right back in the mix for the AL Central in 2026 thanks to an elite pool of prospects and a top manager.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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