CLEVELAND -- When the Guardians look back on 2025, they will fondly remember completing an historic comeback to clinch their second straight American League Central title.
But Cleveland is not resting on what it achieved this season. And to take the next step in 2026, it’s no secret the Guardians will need more out of their offense.
“That's the clear area where we feel like that's going to have to improve going into next year,” general manager Mike Chernoff said at the Guardians’ end-of-season media session this week.
The Guardians’ pitching and run prevention propelled them to the postseason, led by a dominant September by their six-man rotation. But the offense was not good enough, despite another stellar year by José Ramírez. Cleveland finished 28th in runs per game (3.97) and 29th in OPS (.669) and batting average (.226, its worst in a single season in franchise history).
How can the Guardians improve their output next year? Given that they philosophically lean upon homegrown talent, it’s no surprise they are at least counting on those in house taking a step forward.
“We know how we have to build teams, and that's from within,” Chernoff said. “We saw a lot of young players emerge towards the end of the year to take really quality at-bats. … We know we're going to have to rely on young guys to fill a lot of those holes, and then we'll have to see what opportunities are out there to potentially complement the team [externally].”
The Guardians’ offense showed improvement during the season. They averaged 3.72 runs per game before the All-Star break (95 games) and 4.33 after (67). Chernoff pointed to Naylor and Rocchio among those who began to flash down the stretch.
Naylor made several in-season mechanical adjustments to better engage his lower half at the plate, which included switching from a leg kick to a toe tap in August. He slashed .290/.324/.548 over 19 games in September.
Rocchio struggled out of the gate and got optioned to Triple-A Columbus on May 12. Cleveland recalled him on July 1, and he recorded a .257/.310/.391 slash line over his final 80 games while reemerging as a postseason hero for the second straight year.
As those cases show, there is more variance with up-and-coming players. Allowing them runway requires a level of patience while they continue to develop in the big leagues.
“It's a balance that we're always trying to find,” Guardians president Chris Antonetti said. “How much is the right amount of opportunities to continue to give guys to grow and develop and perform to what they're capable of.”
That push and pull also could be factored into roster construction. Guys such as C.J. Kayfus, George Valera and Chase DeLauter (Cleveland’s No. 2 prospect, No. 58 overall, per MLB Pipeline) reached the Majors in August or September this year, and each of them flashed at points. They figure to be in the mix for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
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But while the Guardians want to give runway and opportunity to the young guys, there could be room for a marriage of the two. Adding an experienced hitter, such as right-handed-hitting outfielder, could make a lot of sense. Cleveland struggled to get production from its center fielders (combined .574 OPS), right fielders (.605) and against left-handed pitching (.647 OPS, 27th in MLB).
A veteran addition could take pressure off the young guys and provide insurance in the event they struggle.
And for what it’s worth, the Guardians have just four players with guaranteed salaries next season: Ramírez, Tanner Bibee, Emmanuel Clase (who is on non-disciplinary paid leave amid an ongoing MLB investigation) and Trevor Stephan (who was outrighted off the 40-man roster on Aug. 15).
This season, Ramírez became the first Cleveland player to record three seasons with 30 homers and 30 stolen bases. He’s going to turn 34 next September, and although he isn’t showing signs of slowing down, it is up to the Guardians to maximize his talents.
Next year, an improved offense may hold the key to taking another step as a team.
“I'm so proud of our group for coming back and winning the division,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “But that isn't enough. I don't care how many American League Central pennants we hang. That really doesn't matter to me.
“It's a step in the direction where we need to go. So if we get one of those every year, great. But we want the ultimate banner to be hung.”