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 crew: 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 Ramírez, 3B: $88MM by way of 2028
- Andrés Giménez, 2B: $96.86MM by way of 2029 ($23MM membership possibility for 2030 with $2.5MM buyout)
- Myles Straw, CF: $13.8MM by way of 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 way of 2026 ($10MM membership choices for 2027 and ‘28 with $2MM buyout for ‘27 and $1MM buyout for ‘28)
- Trevor Stephan, RHP: $5.8MM by way of 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
Whole 2025 commitments: $45.17MM
Whole 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 probably the most well-rounded, however the 2024 Guardians had been outlined by their strengths and weaknesses. Their bullpen was the perfect in baseball, however their starters had been unreliable for many of the yr. In the meantime, their offense was wonderful towards left-handed pitching however struggled to attain towards righties. They had been additionally one of many higher defensive groups within the league by nearly each metric, however their baserunning numbers had been surprisingly mediocre. At first, the Guardians must give attention to their scoring, and never run prevention, this winter. That mentioned, they might badly use a pair extra dependable choices for the rotation.
All-Stars José Ramírez and Steven Kwan led the offense in 2024, they usually’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 appear to be an absolute cut price 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.
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 discipline. Children Kyle Manzardo (DH), Bo Naylor (C), and Brayan Rocchio (SS) ought to have spots in subsequent yr’s beginning 9 as effectively. All three had up-and-down seasons, however contemplating their current high prospect standing, there’s little purpose to assume they received’t get to proceed their improvement with the massive league membership in 2025. Certainly, one of the simplest ways for Cleveland to enhance its offense subsequent yr will likely be to get extra manufacturing out of Manzardo, Bo Naylor, and Rocchio.
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