The Cleveland Guardians should contend in the American League Central in 2025, as they do every season. The real question is whether they will win their first World Series in 77 years. This will be a bit of a new-look team with the Cleveland Guardians trading away Josh Naylor and Andres Gimenez, but they have plenty of hitting and fielding to replace the departed players. The Cleveland Guardians also have the pitching, especially the bullpen, to make the postseason and compete for a World Series crown. Do you think this will be the year for the Cleveland Guardians?
Cleveland Guardians Starting Rotation
The goal for the Cleveland Guardians starters is just to pitch well enough to get the ball to their talented bullpen. Tanner Bibee is the ace of the staff. Gavin Williams is the 6-foot 6-inch second starter for the Cleveland Guardians.
Ben Lively, a reclamation project from the Cincinnati Reds, is the No. 3 starter. Lefty Joey Cantillo is the 6-foot 4-fourth starter. Triston McKenzie is the injured fifth starter. Ace Shane Bibber underwent Tommy John surgery and will not pitch until at least April.
Guardians Bullpen
This is a deep bullpen that may be the best in baseball. Closer Emmanuel Clase blew a game in spectacular fashion against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship, but that should not overshadow his otherwise solid work. The other members of the so-called four horsemen, Tim Herrin, Cade Smith, and Hunter Gaddis are all back to dominate hitters.
Nick Sandlin, Pedro Avila, Andrew Walters, and Eric Sabrowski round out the bullpen for the Cleveland Guardians. There is no room here in Spring Training. The bullpen is a real strength for the Cleveland Guardians.
Cleveland Catching
Bo Naylor is the dominant catcher for the Cleveland Guardians. He is good for 10 to 20 home runs a season and is an example excellent pitch framer. Sadly, he would be backed up by David Fry, but Fry is the defensive specialist. He had Tommy John in the offseason and is likely to miss the entire 2025 season, so Naylor will be backed up by Austin Hedges. Naylor may miss his brother Josh.
Cleveland Infield
At third base, the Guardians have all perennial all-star José Ramiez. He killed left-handed pitching last season and can steal bases. The shortstop is Brayan Rocchio. Gone is defensive wizard Gimenez from second base. Juan Brito will replace him. At first base, the Guardians re-signed Carlos Santana to replace the departing Josh Naylor. Many thought he and his brother were package deals.
Cleveland Outfield
Lane Thomas is the center fielder for the Cleveland Guardians. He is a poor hitter, except against the Tigers in the American League Divisional series, when he hit a grand slam. Stephen Kwan is a Gold Glove left fielder and an excellent hitter. Right field is the spot where a Spring Training battle may decide things. The battles are between Will Brennan and Gabriel Arias though they may split time. Switchhitter Angel Martinez provides depth and is on the rise. Look for him to win a job in Spring Training.
Cleveland Designated Hitter
Kyle Manzardo and masher Jhonkensy Noel could platoon at Designated Hitter. Noel is known as “Big Christmas.” Noel is a fan favorite, and he may win the job as Cleveland’s DH.
Cleveland Management
Stephen Vogt replaces longtime Manager Terry Francona. That is a big change, but Vogt is well respected. As a former player, he is intelligent. The Guardians front office is strong. They seem to develop players well. That bodes well for the Guardians. Vogt was a popular choice for manager.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Guardians were a playoff team last season, and they will be a playoff team in 2025. The bullpen is the strength of this team. It may also be the strongest unit in all of Major League Baseball. Cleveland has good management and can turn bountiful minor league talent into viable major leaguers.
