Regardless of a quiet offseason, the Guardians returned to competition in 2024. They received 92 video games and the AL Central crown earlier than falling to the Yankees within the ALCS. As November approaches, two associated questions loom giant for this staff: Will the stunning success of their rivals in Detroit and Kansas Metropolis persuade the Guardians to do extra this winter to defend their division title? Or will the potential lack of native media income result in one other sluggish offseason?
Assured Contracts
- José RamÃrez, 3B: $88MM by 2028
- Andrés Giménez, 2B: $96.86MM by 2029 ($23MM membership possibility for 2030 with $2.5MM buyout)
- Myles Straw, CF: $13.8MM by 2026 ($8MM membership possibility for 2027 with $1.75MM buyout and $8.5MM membership possibility for ‘28 with a $500K buyout)
- Emmanuel Clase, RHP: $11.3MM by 2026 ($10MM membership choices for 2027 and ‘28 with $2MM buyout for ‘27 and $1MM buyout for ‘28)
- Trevor Stephan, RHP: $5.8MM by 2026 ($7.25MM membership possibility for 2027 with $1.25MM buyout and $7.5 membership possibility for ‘28 with no buyout)
Further Monetary Commitments
- Jean Segura, INF: $2MM buyout owed on $10MM membership possibility for 2025
Complete 2025 commitments: $45.17MM
Complete future commitments: $225.26MM
Arbitration-Eligible Gamers (service time in parentheses; wage projections by way of MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz)
Non-tender candidates: Karinchak, McKenzie, Hentges
Free Brokers
The highest groups are sometimes essentially the most well-rounded, however the 2024 Guardians have been outlined by their strengths and weaknesses. Their bullpen was the very best in baseball, however their starters have been unreliable for a lot of the yr. In the meantime, their offense was wonderful in opposition to left-handed pitching however struggled to attain in opposition to righties. They have been additionally one of many higher defensive groups within the league by nearly each metric, however their baserunning numbers have been surprisingly mediocre. Firstly, the Guardians have to give attention to their scoring, and never run prevention, this winter. That stated, they might badly use a pair extra dependable choices for the rotation.
All-Stars José RamÃrez and Steven Kwan led the offense in 2024, and so they’ll be again on the high of the order once more subsequent yr. Even the notoriously stingy and trade-happy Guardians wouldn’t presumably half with their star third baseman, who continues to seem like an absolute discount on the seven-year, $141MM extension he signed in 2022. As for Kwan, the left fielder is a robust extension candidate himself after one other terrific season.Â
Further veterans within the lineup embody the slugging Josh Naylor at first base, defensive stalwart Andrés Giménez at second, and commerce deadline acquisition Lane Thomas in middle subject. Kids Kyle Manzardo (DH), Bo Naylor (C), and Brayan Rocchio (SS) ought to have spots in subsequent yr’s beginning 9 as properly. All three had up-and-down seasons, however contemplating their latest high prospect standing, there’s little motive to suppose they received’t get to proceed their growth with the large league membership in 2025. Certainly, one of the simplest ways for Cleveland to enhance its offense subsequent yr shall be to get extra manufacturing out of Manzardo, Bo Naylor, and Rocchio.
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