What's in store for the Guardians in 2026?

This story was excerpted from Tim Stebbins' Guardians Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Chris Antonetti is not in the business of comparing this Guardians team with that from last spring. But Cleveland’s president of baseball operations is looking forward to the upcoming season getting underway.

“What I would say is I'm excited about the group we have,” Antonetti said Tuesday. “We know it's a young roster that will need to continue to develop and perform at the same time at the Major League level. But it's a group that has great potential. Now it's on us to help support them, to help them achieve that.

“Each guy in that locker room, I know, is committed to getting the most out of themselves. I hope if they are able to do that, then that will lead to a productive season for us.”

The Guardians had a quiet offseason while embracing giving opportunity to the young and up-and-coming players in their organization. Opening Day is around the corner, on Thursday at 10:10 p.m. ET against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Let’s take a look at what the upcoming season could have in store for Cleveland.

What Needs to Go Right? The offense taking a step

There's no secrets here. The Guardians need more offensive production than they received in 2025, when they won the AL Central title despite their lineup's collective struggles. Cleveland's pitching staff gives it a good foundation, and the addition of first baseman Rhys Hoskins should help. But the success of this season will be determined by whether returning hitters take a step forward, and the contributions the club receives from promising up-and-comers such as Chase DeLauter (Cleveland's No. 2 prospect and No. 46 overall, per MLB Pipeline), George Valera, CJ Kayfus and others.

Great Unknown: Middle infield production

What will the Guardians get offensively from their middle infield? They're running it back with shortstop Gabriel Arias and second baseman Brayan Rocchio to start the season, and while the two were a stellar defensive combination in 2025, they logged a .637 and a .630 OPS, respectively. The Guardians are hoping for players such as those two taking a step forward at the plate in ‘26. But they also have second baseman Travis Bazzana (MLB Pipeline's No. 20 overall prospect) waiting in the wings in Triple-A, vying to make an impact in the Majors.

Team MVP Will Be: José Ramírez

Who else? Ramírez is a franchise icon and the centerpiece to the Guardians’ success. He has remained both stellar and durable, and the engine that drives this team. Cleveland hopes its young talent will help uplift the lineup’s production this season. But as Ramírez (who signed a seven-year contract extension in January) enters his age-33 season, the Guardians will need him to continue leading the way. It could be a milestone year for him, too. Ramírez is on the cusp of becoming only the ninth player in MLB history with 300 career home runs and 300 stolen bases.

Team Cy Young Will Be: Gavin Williams

And he could wind up receiving votes for the AL Cy Young Award, too. Williams had a slow start to 2025 plagued by command issues. He tinkered with his mechanics and pitch mix on the fly, and locked things in to emerge as a force atop the Guardians' rotation. Williams logged a 2.18 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP over 12 starts after the All-Star break, the former of which was tied with Tarik Skubal for second in the Majors behind only Paul Skenes (1.89). Williams had a breakout second half, and it could pave the way for a breakout season.

Bold Prediction: Joey Cantillo will be an All-Star

Williams made a big jump last year, and Cantillo could follow suit this season. The lefty had a bumpy 2025 in which he was jockeyed between the Majors and Minors, and the bullpen and starting rotation. He was elite in September as part of the Guardians' six-man rotation (1.55 ERA in 29 innings over five starts). Cantillo entered this spring with a refreshed demeanor and a refined arsenal, and could take a significant leap this summer.