#21
The Cleveland Guardians saw their legendary manager retire at the end of 2023. Will their rookie manager be ready to lead them to the postseason?
#14 - 2nd in AL Central
MIH - Andres Gimenez
MIP - Triston McKenzie
PTW - Bo Naylor
FP - Steven Kwan will win the AL batting title in 2023.
2023 Results
#22 - 76-86, 3rd in AL Central
Highest WAR (Position) - Andres Gimenez
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Tanner Bibee
The 2023 season for the Guardians was the definition of mediocrity. They were never bad, but they weren't really relevant either. Their best players either got injured or had average seasons. There was little to cheer about, but you couldn't really jeer the season either.
Additions / Subtractions
The biggest change heading into 2024 for the Guardians is the retirement of longtime manager Terry Francona. He has been replaced by the recently retired player Stephen Vogt. Very few changes were made to the roster. Veteran starter Carlos Carrasco is back in Cleveland, and they acquired veteran outfielder Estevan Florial.
Most Important Hitter
Steven Kwan
Steven Kwan had one of the greatest starts to a career you could have in 2022. Despite cooling off the second half of the season, he still almost hit .300 and sported a 124 OPS+. In 2023, the sophomore slump set in, as his OPS+ fell to 100 and only hit .268 (far from a batting title). Perfectly average. The Guardians have a couple thumpers in the middle of the lineup, but they need someone on base ahead of them. If Kwan can get back to his 2022 self, this offense might actually be okay.
Most Important Pitcher
Emmanuel Clase
Few bullpens these days are defined by one dominant arm at closer. Cleveland is one of them. Emmanuel Clase might be the best closer in baseball, and the Guardians lean heavily on him because of it. If Clase gets hurt or starts to struggle, it could derail the entire bullpen. If he stays healthy and dominant, their bullpen works.
Prospect to Watch
Brayan Rocchio
With the 19th ranked farm system in baseball, the Guardians sport 4 players in the Top 100. One of those is the Opening Day shortstop, Brayan Rocchio. Ranked #91 overall and 3rd in the system, Rocchio made his debut at the end of 2023, and now the 23 year old switch hitter is ready for the full time gig. He's a solid hitter and a good base runner, but his best attribute is his defense which could lead to a Gold Glove at some point in his career.
2024 Prediction
3rd in AL Central
The Guardians the last few seasons have felt like a team where their amazing manager willed them into contention every season despite their roster. Now with Francona gone, I don't know how well they can do. I'm a fan of new manager Stephen Vogt, but it might take him a little while to make this roster and team his.
Fearless Prediction
Shane Bieber will be traded mid-season.
Simply from the nature of their division, the Guardians might be in contention for awhile this season, but I could also see them realize an opportunity to cash in on one of their best players before he cashes in with another team next season. Shane Bieber has had moments of being elite in Cleveland, and now he's heading into his final season before free agency. I don't think the Guardians will re-sign him, which means they will probably trade him.
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