Three questions facing the Cleveland Guardians this offseason

The Cleveland Guardians were not supposed to reach the postseason.

Despite a 54-54 record at the trade deadline, the Guardians were sellers. Pitchers Shane Bieber and Paul Sewald were traded to the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers, respectively. Pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were placed on administrative leave as part of a gambling investigation, which has been extended "until further notice." It would have been easy for the Guardians to fold and look ahead to next year.

Instead, the Guardians were 34-20 over the final two months, including a 16-2 run down the stretch in mid-September. The Guardians passed the Tigers for the division crown, but Detroit got the last laugh as it knocked Cleveland out of the postseason. Next, the Guardians need to figure out how to advance in the playoffs.

Three questions facing the Cleveland Guardians heading into the offseason

1. What will happen with Ortiz and Clase?

Losing Clase and Ortiz was a significant blow for the Guardians. Although neither pitcher performed at the same level as they did in 2024, they continued to be solid options. Ortiz posted a 4.36 ERA and a 1.376 WHiP over 88.2 innings, striking out 96 batters with 42 walks. Clase posted a 3.23 ERA and a 1.225 WHiP over his 47.1 innings, notching 24 saves while striking out 47 strikeouts and 12 walks. 

There has yet to be any information regarding the investigation aside from Clase and Ortiz remaining on administrative leave. Both pitchers have been banned from participating in the Dominican Winter League. While the Guardians have to approach the offseason as though neither will return, they need clarity on the situation. For the lower-budget Guardians, those salaries could have a significant impact on their offseason plans.

2. Do the kids get a chance in 2026?

The Guardians' offense has essentially been whatever third baseman Jose Ramirez can do while hoping for the best. Outfielder Steven Kwan has developed into a solid second option with the duo combining for 9.5 bWAR. The rest of the Guardians' position players, however, combined for -0.1 bWAR.

Help should be coming. The Guardians' top four prospects — infielders Travis Bazzana and Angel Genao, outfielder Chase DeLauter and catcher Cooper Ingle — are expected to debut in 2026. That quartet should help improve a lineup that ranked 26th in the majors with a .686 OPS. The Guardians do not have much blocking that group; it may be time to give the kids a chance to show what they can do in Cleveland.

3. Can the Guardians extend Kwan?

The Guardians, despite their budgetary concerns, have done well to lock in core players. Clase, Ramirez and pitchers Tanner Bibee and Trevor Stephan have signed long-term deals. Kwan, although he is under team control via arbitration for the next two years, should be next on the list.

For his part, Kwan has been clear that he wants to stay in Cleveland and is willing to discuss a contract extension. However, the two sides have yet to agree on a deal. Considering how important Kwan is to the lineup, and that he is likely to become expensive through arbitration, it may be time to start those talks.