Cleveland’s been the model of consistency in the AL Central. Six division titles since 2016, including back-to-back crowns in 2024 and 2025.
They finished strong last season, chasing down Detroit for the division before falling to those same Tigers 2-1 in the Wild Card round.
But here’s where it gets interesting – Cleveland basically sat out free agency. While Detroit and Chicago were wheeling and dealing all winter, the Guardians made exactly three moves.
Two relievers, Colin Holderman and Shawn Armstrong, plus Rhys Hoskins on a minor league deal.
Hoskins made the Opening Day roster and should help balance a lineup that’s heavy on young lefties. That’s the good news.
The reality? It probably won’t be enough to improve on last year’s win total. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly isn’t buying what Cleveland’s selling this offseason.
“Jose Ramirez is a future Hall of famer that seems to finish in the top five of AL MVP voting just about every season, but the lineup is thin around him, particularly when Steven Kwan isn’t hot. Does Chase DeLauter develop into a star in his rookie season? Can Rhys Hoskins bounce-back after a disappointing tenure with the Brewers? It can’t just be Ramirez and Kwan producing in this lineup.”
Kelly’s hitting on the core issue here. Jose Ramirez is elite – that’s not changing. Steven Kwan had another solid year. But after that?
The Guardians are banking on internal development and hoping Hoskins can recapture his Philadelphia form. Chase DeLauter represents the future, but asking a rookie to be your offensive catalyst is risky business.
What makes this approach work – when it does – is Stephen Vogt. He’s shown he can maximize talent in his short managerial career. Getting the most out of what you have has been Cleveland’s calling card for years.
But there’s a fine line between smart spending and standing pat. With Detroit improving and even Chicago making moves, the Guardians are betting their young core takes another step forward.
It’s worked before. Whether it’s enough to keep pace in a tightening division remains the big question heading into 2026.
