2024 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Guardians

 #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?

2023 Predictions

#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  He has been replaced by the recently retired player Stephen Vogt.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.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Guardians

 #14

The Cleveland Guardians rode one of the youngest rosters in the league to a postseason spot and a game away from the ALCS.  Will 2023 see them take a step back or a step forward?

2022 Predictions

#22 - 5th in AL Central

MIH - Jose Ramirez

MIP - Shane Bieber

PTW - Logan Allen

2022 Results

#7 - 92-70, 1st in AL Central, lost in ALDS

Highest WAR (Position) - Andres Gimenez

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Triston McKenzie

I don't think I was more wrong about a team last year than I was here.  In their first year as the Guardians, the Cleveland franchise exceeded all expectations, won the division, one the Wild Card round, and took the mighty Yankees to a win-or-go-home game in the ALDS.  How did they do it?  Everyone stepped up!  Entering last season, it felt like all they had was Jose Ramirez and Shane Bieber.  They both had good seasons, yet they finished 2nd and 6th respectively on the team in WAR.  Last year saw the emergence of both Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, two of the main pieces they received in the Francisco Lindor trade.  Rookie Steven Kwan established himself as one of the best contact hitters in the league, Triston McKenzie appears to be a legitimate starter to pair with Bieber, and Emmanuel Clase is now one of the best closers in the league.  The 2022 Guardians may have been the best coaching job of Terry Francona's career.

Additions / Subtractions

The Guardians never hit home runs in the offseason.  They make small complementary moves, which is all they needed to do with such a young emerging core.  The two main additions were catcher Mike Zunino and first baseman Josh Bell.  The only significant subtraction was catcher Austin Hedges who was signed by the Pirates.  So the Guardians are entering 2023 with their roster mostly in tact.

Most Important Hitter

Andres Gimenez

Like I said, the emergence of several stars made the Guardians the contender they were in 2022.  The biggest of these was Andres Gimenez.  In 2022, he almost hit .300 with 17 homers, 69 RBI's, 20 steals, and a 141 OPS+.  This was good enough for an All Star appearance, a 6th place finish in the MVP voting, and Gold Glove for 2nd base.  That 7.4 WAR is the ultimate splash season, especially considering he had only earned 1.8 WAR in his first two seasons combined.  The biggest question surrounding the Guardians is also the biggest question surrounding Gimenez.  Can he do it again?  Was 2022 a fluke or the establishment of a new superstar?  If the Guardians are going to repeat last year's success, Gimenez needs to continue to take steps forward in his development.  At only 24 years old, he still has plenty of capacity to grow.

Most Important Pitcher

Triston McKenzie

Just like Gimenez, Triston McKenzie broke out on the scene in 2022 in his 3rd season in the league.  He had a 2.96 ERA in just under 200 innings, which was good for a 129 ERA+.  Entering his age 25 season, the familiar question will be asked ... can he do it again?  With pitchers, it's a little different than hitters.  Can McKenzie's arm hold out?  That was quite a jump in innings in 2022 from 120 to 191.  Also, he 6'5" 165 pounds!  Can that arm and that frame hold up through another 200 inning season, or will injuries catch up with him?  The Guardians have some depth in the rotation, but McKenzie has made himself pretty vital to their success.

Prospect to Watch

Bo Naylor

With 7 prospects in the Top 100 list, the Guardians sport a top 5 farm system in all of baseball.  Many of those top prospects could be ready to impact the big league roster this season, but possibly the most fascinating of those prospects is Bo Naylor.  This 23 year old catcher is the younger brother of current Guardian Josh Naylor.  He got a small taste of the big leagues in 2022, appearing in 8 games.  With the Guardians signing a veteran backstop like Mike Zunino, look for little Naylor to pair alongside Zunino at some point this season in a platoon-like situation.  As a lefty slugger, he could really have an impact.

2023 Prediction

2nd in AL Central

There has to be some turnover in the playoff picture in 2023.  It might feel like a hot take, but I'm saying the Guardians come up just short.  With all the guys that had career seasons in 2023 and all of them trying to break out at the same time, there has to be some regression.  Andres Gimenez can't have another 7 win season, right?  Triston McKenzie can't handle that many innings, right?  I'm not saying they are going to be bad.  They will be one of the last teams to be eliminated from contention.  This is the bottom of the group of teams that can not only make the playoffs, but make a run if they get there.  The American League just has too many good teams.

Fearless Predictions

Steven Kwan will win the AL batting title in 2023.

One of the players that feels like he can repeat his success from 2022 is Steven Kwan.  He started his 2022 season with an absurd stat where he didn't swing and miss in the first 116 pitches he saw.  When you make that much contact, you find a lot of hits.  His rookie season brought about a .298 batting average.  With a year under his belt, Kwan is enough of a professional hitter that he could easily make a jump like this and take the batting title, especially since last year's batting champ (Luis Arraez) is now in the National League.

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Indians

 #17

The Cleveland Indians have been on quite a run over the last handful of years, however with the trade of Francisco Lindor, is that run coming to an end?  Will 2021 be the start of a rebuild or the continued success with another playoff birth?

2020 Predictions

#17 - 3rd in AL Central

MIH - Francisco Lindor

MIP - Carlos Carrasco

PTW - Logan Allen

2020 Results

#7 - 35-25, 2nd in AL Central, lost in Wild Card Round

I said the talk of 2020 was going to be if Francisco Lindor would be traded.  Somehow they were able to silence that drama for the season, trade away one of the their top starting pitchers in Mike Clevinger, and still put together a strong campaign that earned a playoff spot.  They didn't go far into the playoffs, but every time you think the Indians are done, they bounce back stronger.  The reason?  Terry Fancona.

Additions / Subtractions

Well, they were able to silence the noise for the season, but that didn't stop the move from being made this winter.  Lindor and Carlos Carrasco were both dealt to the New York Mets for quite a package.  Nothing beats having Lindor in the lineup though.  They continued to cut cost by releasing closer Brad Hand and not re-signing Carlos Santana at first base.  Coming into Cleveland are infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez in the Lindor deal as well as free agent outfielder Eddie Rosario from Minnesota.  The other big announcement of the offseason would be that 2021 will be the last year the club will be known as the Cleveland Indians.  The new name has yet to be announced, but look for it to be a much more PC moniker.

Most Important Hitter

Jose Ramirez

Much like Francisco Lindor was the talk of last offseason and regular season on what Cleveland would do with him, this season could easily be the same chatter about Jose Ramirez.  Ramirez is entering the last year of a club-friendly deal he signed, and although his personality doesn't draw the eyeballs like Lindor, he production on the field might exceed the new Met.  Ramirez has finished in the top 3 of MVP voting three times in the last four seasons, including a 2nd place in 2020.  He also has three Silver Sluggers under his belt.  In 2020, he had a 163 OPS+.  With no Lindor in the lineup, the success of the Indians is even more tied to the production of Jose Ramirez.  The future success of the Indians might also be tied to him depending on if they can find the right trade package for him.

Most Important Pitcher

James Karinchak

Throughout this run the Indians have been on, even though Lindor and Ramirez have anchored a strong lineup, the strength of the team has been pitching.  This year is no different with guys like Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, and Zach Plesac anchoring the rotation.  The bullpen is not quite as secure this year with Brad Hand moving on.  Now, the Indians will be looking at 25 year old James Karinchak to anchor the back end of their pen.  Finishing 6th in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 as a reliever, Karinchak dominated as a stellar setup man for the Tribe.  However, closing can be a different story, and with how volatile bullpen arms can be, his production needs to be as dominant and consistent as it was last season for the bullpen to be reliable.

Prospect to Watch

Tristan McKenzie

The big leagues got a taste of Tristan McKenzie in 2020, pitching 8 games and starting 6 with some decent success.  Now, this 51st best prospect in baseball and 2nd best in Cleveland's farm system will be counted on as a contributing member of the rotation from day one.  He is pretty unforgettable once you see him pitch, and not just for his electric stuff, but also for the 6'5" 165 pound frame and the big hair (which somehow makes him look even skinnier).  He should be a stud for them moving forward if he adds some weight to that frame so he can withstand the grueling nature of 162 games.

2021 Prediction

3rd in AL Central

I have the Indians predicted in the exact same spot as last year, however this year might be a little more earned.  Losing Lindor is going to affect their offense.  Rumors around losing Jose Ramirez could distract.  Also, the top of their division got better while they were selling pieces.  I know Terry Francona is one of the best managers in baseball, but I think they will finish lower than 2nd in the division for the first time since 2015.

Fearless Prediction

Shane Bieber will win a second straight Cy Young Award.

Somehow, the Indians just keep churning out elite starting pitching.  Last season, it was Shane Bieber's turn to see the spotlight.  He was easily the best player on the team in 2020, winning the pitching Triple Crown in the AL (Wins, ERA, Strikeouts).  He is just coming into his own, and I expect him to continue to grow and get better.  Look for another dominant year from him at the top of the Indians' rotation.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Indians

#11

The Cleveland Indians have owned the AL Central over the last several years.  Will their young core of hitters and top-notch starters bring about another playoff run in 2019?

2018 Predictions

1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Corey Kluber will be the AL starting pitcher in the All Star Game.

2018 Results

91-71, 1st in AL Central, lost in ALDS

Yes, the Indians won 90 games, but they won the AL Central more by default being the only team to finish with a record above .500.  They have had a similar formula the last few seasons: pitch well behind Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Carlos Carrasco while scoring runs behind emerging superstars Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor.  Ramirez and Lindor almost had 8 win seasons, while Kluber (who made the All Star Team but didn't start) has a 5.8 and Bauer had a 5.7 WAR.  All this success did not lead to any postseason success as they still carry such a long championship drought.

Additions / Subtractions

The Indians had one of the more intriguing offseasons in the league.  The front office looked at the roster they had put together and started to question how sustainable their payroll would be moving forward.  They traded away slugger Edwin Encarnacion to the Mariners to bring back former Indian Carlos Santana.  They traded away catcher Yan Gomes and slugger Yonder Alonso.  They traded corner infielder Yandy Diaz to the Rays for Jake Bauers, who has much more flexibility.  Their top outfielders from a year ago, Michael Brantley and Melky Cabrera, left through free agency and really weren't replaced.  Some late minor league acquisitions that will obviously have a big league impact eventually were Hanley Ramirez and Carlos Gonzalez, but they really tried to cut salary.  They even tried to do more, with constant rumors of Kluber or Bauer being traded, but that came to no avail.

Most Important Hitter

Bradley Zimmer

One of the reasons the Indians did not work harder to find some outfielders in they believe in Bradley Zimmer.  Entering his third season in the big leagues, this 26 year old centerfielder had established himself as the everyday starter last year before he injured his shoulder and ended his season.  He is not expected to be ready by Opening Day, but he is being counted on as being a key piece of what the Indians do this year.  They need him to break out to justify their lack of movement in replacing their outfield production from a year ago.

Most Important Pitcher

Brad Hand

The Indians have one of the best rotations in baseball, but they also have been touting an elite bullpen as well.  However, over the last several seasons they have watched pieces from their World SEries bullpen slowly leave.  Bryan Shaw left via free agency before last season, and this season saw the departure of closer Cody Allen and super reliever Andrew Miller.  None of the main pieces of their World Series super bullpen of 2016 are left.  This makes Brad Hand, their new closer, extremely important.  Hand was acquired at the Trade Deadline last season from the Padres for top propect Francisco Mejia, and he showed why they paid such a big price for him.  He is an elite bullpen arm, but now he will not have the company in the bullpen the Indians are used to surrounding their closer with.  Hand cannot have a bad season if the Indians want to be great this season.

Prospect to Watch

Yu Chang

The Indians only have two prospects listed in MLB's top 100, and one of them (Triston McKenzie) might make his debut this season depending on what happens with the Indians rotation throughout the season.  However, the player most likely to make a big league impact this season is Yu Chang.  This 23 year old infielder is the Indians 6th best prospect and played his entire 2018 season in AAA to decent success.  The reason he has a chance to make a big league impact this season is the fact that second baseman Jason Kipnis, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and third baseman Jose Ramirez all will probably start the season on the injured list (formerly the disabled list).  The Indians are finding ways to fill these holes temporarily with big league names, but if some of these injuries linger and some of the big leaguers struggle, Chang will get his opportunity to prove himself and show he can be a young utility infielder behind their cast of All Stars.

2019 Prediction

2nd in AL Central

Being ranked 11th on my list means I see the Indians as the last team to miss the playoffs.  They still have all their talent, but I get the feeling this window is closing quickly.  If the Indians are talking about trading some of their All Stars in their prime because they can't afford it, this success is fleeting.  Their division also shouldn't be the pushover it was last season too.  By pure talent, the Indians have to be in the conversation, but combine injuries with potential disgruntled aces and this could be the beginning of the end for this Indians run.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Francisco Lindor's last full season in Cleveland.

Lindor is entering his age 25 season and is already a 3 time All Star.  He is one of the best emerging young superstars in the game.  When he hits the free agent market after the 2021 season, he will be looking to get a contract similar to Machado, Harper, Arenado, or even Trout.  If this offseason showed anything, the Indians will not be able to afford that.  That means Lindor's time in Cleveland has an expiration date.  If he is not a long-term Indian, they might want to maximize his value on the trade market.  Especially if they miss the playoffs this season, the Indians might realize they need to move on from their current core sooner rather than later.

2017-2018 MLB Wraparound Season

I am a sports junkie (probably even more so than a movie junkie).  I love watching sports, playing sports, and pretty much anything to do with sports.  My favorite might be stats.  I am a numbers guy, and I find all the stats fascinating.  This is one of the many reasons baseball season is possibly my favorite season as it is more stats-driven than any other sport.  The MLB All Star Break is one of my favorite parts of the summer.  It not only allows for baseball to take the sole sports spotlight for one of the only times in the year, but it also gives me the chance to do my yearly baseball stats deep dive.

Who have been the best baseball players over the last 12 months?  I call this the wraparound season.  I tabulate the stats from after the All Star Break last year and combine them with the stats from the first half of this season.  This helps see who might be key contributors in the upcoming playoff push.  It also might show who has been overworked and might fall off production down the stretch run.  I gathered stats for all hitters in the top 50 in hits, doubles, home runs, RBI's, and runs from last year's second half and this year's first half.  I did the same with pitchers, with the top 50 in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and the top 30 in saves.  Before we look at the 2017-2018 Wraparound Season, let's look back at who stood out in the 2016-2017 Wraparound Season.

Underrated Hitters

1.  Jose Ramirez - CLE

2.  Ender Inciarte - ATL

3.  Jedd Gyorko - STL

4.  Charlie Blackmon - COL

5.  Jose Abreu - CWS

Underrated Pitchers

1.  Ivan Nova - PIT

2.  Dan Straily - CIN / MIA

3.  Sean Manaea - OAK

4.  Ervin Santana - MIN

5.  Robbie Ray - ARZ

AL Wraparound MVP

1.  Jose Ramirez - CLE

2.  Jose Altuve - HOU

3.  Mike Trout - LAA

4.  Aaron Judge - NYY

5.  Nelson Cruz - SEA

NL Wraparound MVP

1.  Joey Votto - CIN

2.  Freddie Freeman - ATL

3.  Charlie Blackmon - COL

4.  Nolan Arenado - COL

5.  Daniel Murphy - WAS

AL Wraparound Cy Young

1.  Corey Kluber - CLE

2.  Chris Sale - BOS

3.  Justin Verlander - DET / HOU

4.  Chris Archer - TB

5.  Ervin Santana - MIN

NL Wraparound Cy Young

1.  Max Scherzer - WAS

2.  Clayton Kershaw - LAD

3.  Carlos Martinez - STL

4.  Kyle Hendricks - CHC

5.  Ivan Nova - PIT

Top Relievers

1.  Kenley Jansen - LAD

2.  Andrew Miller - NYY / CLE

3.  Craig Kimbrel - BOS

4.  Aroldis Chapman - NYY

5.  Wade Davis - KC / CHC

Of the 25 players to make the top lists last year, 13 made the lists this year.  Of the 10 players listed as underrated last year, two of them made a top list this year.

Batting Average

AL

Jose Altuve – HOU	.336
Mookie Betts – BOS	.309
Adrian Beltre – TEX	.306
Yuli Gurriel – HOU	.306
Manny Machado – BAL	.304
Avisail Garcia – CWS	.328
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	.319
Matt Duffy – TB	.317
Lorenzo Cain – KC / MIL	.310

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	.315
Charlie Blackmon – COL	.314
Jose Martinez – STL	.308
Scooter Gennett – CIN	.307
Joey Votto – CIN	.305
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	.319
Lorenzo Cain – KC / MIL	.310

First, the list under each top 5 are players that would be on the list if they qualified.  Two things can disqualify you for these lists.  First, you need to have over 400 at bats to be considered.  Hitters like Avisail Garcia and Matt Duffy don't have enough AB's.  Second, you have to have played the last 12 months in one league.  So J.D. Martinez and Lorenzo Cain will not qualify for any list.  Jose Altuve topped the AL list last year as well, which is just more proof he is the best pure hitter int he game today (especially looking at how much better he is than everyone else).  Beltre continues to be a top hitter in the twilight of his career.  Machado, although now a Dodger, finished his time as an Oriole in pretty strong style.

In the NL, there are a lot of Rockies and, surprisingly, Reds on this list.  Arenado and Blackmon are showing they should be considered some of the top hitters in the league.  Jose Martinez is a surprise, showing the Cardinals have a good young core to build around.  Votto topped this list last year, but it is good to see a guy like Gennett hitting as well as he is.  Overall, all of these averages are down from last year.

Home Runs

AL

Aaron Judge – NYY	47
Francisco Lindor – CLE	44
Nelson Cruz – SEA	44
Mike Trout – LAA	42
Edwin Encarnacion – CLE	42
Joey Gallo – TEX	42
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	60
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	56

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	43
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	37
Charlie Blackmon – COL	36
Kyle Schwarber – CHC	35
Trevor Story – COL	33
Eugenio Suarez – CIN	33
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	60
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	56

The most noticeable thing with these lists is the two best home run hitters of the last 12 months don't qualify because they spent time in both leagues.  J.D. Martinez followed up his crazy finish last year with the Diamondbacks with a great first half this year in Boston.  Giancarlo Stanton had an okay start in the Bronx, but he hit 33 second half home runs with the Marlins last year.  That alone puts him on the NL list.  Judge has shown no sophomore slump.  Lindor is not a name you consider a top home run guy, but he has shown some awesome power the last 12 months.  Names like Cruz, Encarnacion, and Gallo you expect to see.  Trout has been a beast as always.

Three of the six on this list are Rockies, showing they have possibly the best offense in the league.  Goldschmidt is still a premier hitter in the NL.  Schwarber has shown what he can do when he is healthy and in the lineup every day.  Suarez makes it three Reds that have made lists.  How are they so bad?  Oh yeah, they can't pitch (even though their manager was a pitching coach ... no wonder he got fired).

RBI

AL

Edwin Encarnacion – CLE	124
Khris Davis – OAK	114
Manny Machado – BAL	113
Eddie Rosario – MIN	112
Nicholas Castellanos – DET	111
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	152
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	129

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	128
Trevor Story – COL	115
Javy Baez – CHC	114
Anthony Rizzo – CHC	114
Scooter Gennett – CIN	113
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	152
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	129

Once again, Martinez and Stanton would be the class of both leagues (and by a decent margin).  There are some names you are not used to seeing on this list.  Encarnacion and Machado you expect to see, but Khris Davis has quietly been one of the most productive power hitters of the last few years in Oakland.  Rosario helped lead the Twins to their playoff berth last year.  I am surprised more people aren't talking about trading for Castellanos at the Trade Deadline.  Recently moving from third base to right field, he can play either position and is a very productive bat.

If you are keeping track, this makes a Wraparound Triple Crown for Nolan Arenado.  Also, once again, a teammate takes second.  Two Cubs are tied for third.  It might be a surprise one of them is Baez.  Also, once again there is a Red popping up.

OPS

AL

Mike Trout – LAA	1.022
Jose Ramirez – CLE	.980
Mookie Betts – BOS	.955
Aaron Judge – NYY	.938
Francisco Lindor – CLE	.924
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	1.073
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	.958

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	1.004
Charlie Blackmon – COL	.936
Eugenio Suarez – CIN	.921
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	.915
Joey Votto – CIN	.913
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	1.073
Max Muncy – LAD	1.012
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	.958
Jesus Aguilar – MIL	.918

As OPS is one of the stats that shows the true value of a hitter, it is not surprising when you see the list of names on the AL list (including Martinez and Stanton once again).  Trout, Ramirez (last year's Wraparound AL MVP), Betts, Judge, and Lindor are considered three of the top hitters playing right now, and this shows why.

Considering Arenado has a Triple Crown over this stretch, it is no surprise he tops the AL list in OPS.  Once again, a teammate is second.  Still, no one gives Charlie Blackmon enough credit for just how good he is.  Suarez and Votto show up again to remind us just how good Cincinnati could be.  Goldschmidt is expected to be on a list like this, and it is good to see he doesn't disappoint.  Muncy and Aguilar have had amazing first halves of 2018, but they don't have enough at bats to qualify for the full season stats.

Wins

AL

Corey Kluber – CLE	23
Luis Severino – NYY	23
Carlos Carrasco – CLE	19
Charlie Morton – HOU	19
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	19

NL

Jon Lester – CHC	20
Aaron Nola – PHI	18
Max Scherzer – WAS	18
Zach Godley – ARZ	16
Jon Gray – COL	16
Zack Greinke – ARZ	16

Most stat guys in baseball call the win a useless stat in today's game.  I wouldn't quite go that far.  If your team wins when you take the mound, there is value there.  Looking at the names on these lists, they are exactly who you would expect to see as the top pitchers in the league (especially the AL list).  Kluber and Severino hit a total that hasn't been hit in an actual season since 2011.  Carrasco shows the strength of the Indians' starting rotation just like Morton and Verlander show the same about the Astros.  This is an impressive list, especially considering Kluber, Carrasco, and Dylan Bundy topped last year's list with 18.

Lester is the only NL pitcher to hit the 20 win mark.  Scherzer and Greinke show they are still elite.  Nola, Gray, and Godley show they are young aces in the making.

ERA (150 IP minimum)

AL

Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	2.15
Luis Severino – NYY	2.30
Corey Kluber – CLE	2.32
Trevor Bauer – CLE	2.54
Chris Sale – BOS	2.59

NL

Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.40
Max Scherzer – WAS	2.70
Aaron Nola – PHI	2.78
Jake Arrieta – CHC / PHI	2.86
Kyle Hendricks – CHC	3.20
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	3.18

Two things strike me about these lists.  First, this shows pretty clearly that the AL has the best pitchers.  Only one of the NL pitchers would even crack the AL top 5.  Considering the AL also had the top stats when it came to hitting, and that AL lineups are harder to navigate with a DH instead of a pitcher, this is really impressive.  The second thing I noticed is how hard it was to find pitchers that pitched 150 innings.  With the emergence of super bullpens, this is getting harder and harder for starters to do.  Verlander has been insane, with Severino and Kluber showing their win totals aren't a fluke.  Bauer shows again that Cleveland's rotation is ridiculous.  Sale shows that he earned his All Star Game start.

Jacob deGrom has been a great pitcher on a bad team, being this year's best Met pitcher.  Scherzer, Arrieta and Hendricks show they are still among the league's best.  Once again, there is Aaron Nola popping up.  He has been awesome.

Overall ERA

AL

Lou Trivino – OAK	1.22
Craig Kimbrel – BOS	1.75
Aroldis Chapman – NYY	2.07
David Robertson – CWS / NYY	2.12
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	2.15
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	1.47
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	1.84

NL

Brandon Morrow – LAD / CHC	1.79
Trevor Rosenthal – STL	1.88
Kenley Jansen – LAD	2.10
Stephen Strasburg – WAS	2.32
Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.40
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	1.47
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	1.84

Tops on this list for the AL is a recent call-up for the A's that has gotten off to a great start.  Next you have top closers Kimbrel and Chapman.  Robertson was the closer for the White Sox and is now part of the crazy bullpen for the Yankees.  It is always impressive when a starter makes this list, and Verlander has done it.

Morrow made an easy transition from Dodgers setup man to Cubs closer.  Rosenthal hasn't actually pitched this year after having Tommy John surgery.  He will be an interesting free agent next offseason.  Jansen is expected to be near the top of this list every year.  Strasburg had an insane finish to last year, but injuries have kept him below the innings limit.  Again, deGrom deserves better.  Ineligible for either list are Doolittle and Treinan, who were actually traded for each other last year.

Strikeouts

AL

Chris Sale – BOS	318
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	293
Corey Kluber – CLE	274
Trevor Bauer – CLE	268
Luis Severino – NYY	250
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	279

NL

Max Scherzer – WAS	277
Jacob deGrom – NYM	258
Aaron Nola – PHI	234
Patrick Corbin – ARZ	232
Jon Gray – COL	213
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	279

Sale and Scherzer topped these lists last year, and topped them again this year.  Sale was able to reach that magical 300 strikeout total with Verlander coming very close.  Just like every NL hitting list needs at least two Rockies, each AL pitching list needs two Indians.  Severino rounds out the list, showing he is an emerging young ace for the Yanks.  Gerrit Cole has become the latest pitcher to show a career resurrection since joining the Astros.

After Mad Max, we see some familiar names.  Nola and deGrom keep popping up over and over.  Corbin shows the Diamondbacks have a strong rotation as well.  Gray, once he finds some consistency, will be a household name with the rest of these pitchers.

Innings Pitched

AL

Corey Kluber – CLE	244
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	238 2/3
Trevor Bauer – CLE	220
Chris Sale – BOS	215 2/3
Luis Severino – NYY	215
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	223 2/3

NL

Aaron Nola – PHI	216 2/3
Jacob deGrom – NYM	213 2/3
Clayton Richard – SD	211 1/3
Patrick Corbin – ARZ	210 2/3
Zack Greinke – ARZ	207 2/3
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	223 2/3

This is always an interesting list to me.  It shows which pitchers might be overworked and due for a slump or an injury in the second half of this season.  Of the five on this list last year, only two have returned to the list (Verlander, Sale).  Kluber is a machine (Klu-bot), but 244 innings is a lot, especially considering this doesn't include the last two playoff runs.  Verlander is always on this list, and seems to one immune to breaking down under a heavy workload.  Bauer is such a strange and unusual modern pitcher.  I don't see him breaking down either.  Sale is such a skinny guy with a strange delivery.  He could be Randy Johnson and never break down, or he could be due for some problems.  I am worried about Severino.  He is such a young player, and 215 innings is a lot (again, not counting playoffs last year).

Of the 6 players on last year's list, none have returned to the list.  Nola is a surprise at the top, showing again that he has been the Phillies' workhorse.  It might be deGrom's turn to have arm issues, as every one of the Mets aces has had those issues.  Richard has quietly been a steady pitcher for the Padres the last few seasons.  Then we have the top two Diamondbacks pitchers.  It makes sense for these totals to be so much less than the AL totals since they have to worry about hitting and pinch hitters.

Saves

AL

Edwin Diaz – SEA	57
Craig Kimbrel – BOS	42
Aroldis Chapman – NYY	40
Alex Colome – TB / SEA	34
Cody Allen – CLE	34
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	43
Fernando Rodney – MIA / ARZ / MIN	38
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	37

NL

Kenley Jansen – LAD	47
Brad Hand – SD	43
Wade Davis – CHC / COL	43
Felipe Vazquez – PIT	38
Corey Knebel – MIL	36
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	43
Fernando Rodney – MIA / ARZ / MIN	38
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	37

By far, the leader in saves the last 12 months has been Diaz, who almost set the record for most saves before the All Star Break.  This has been greatly helped by all the close games the Mariners have played.  Kimbrel and Chapman are thought to be the old standards you expect to see on this list every year.  Colome was a top closer before he was traded to Seattle to be Diaz's setup man.  Allen has been the back end of a great bullpen for quite some time.  Not eligible are the trade brother in Doolittle and Treinan as well as the Fernando Rodney Experience.

If you were to pick one closer you want on the mound in the 9th of a must-win game, I think Jansen might be the most popular pick.  The second best NL closer over the last 12 months, Brad Hand, is now the second best lefty specialist in the Indians' bullpen.  It feels like everyone always forgets how good Wade Davis is.  One of the few bright spots for the Pirates has been their closer Vazquez.  Knebel is the great closer at the end of a great bullpen in Milwaukee.

Underrated Hitters

Scooter Gennett – CIN

Eugenio Suarez – CIN

Whit Merrifield – KC

Nicholas Castellanos – DET

Javy Baez – CHC

One of my favorite parts of this exercise is finding the guys whose stats far outweigh their current reputation.  After hitting a huge game-tying home run in the All Star Game, more people will now know Scooter Gennett's name.  Eugenio Suarez has been possibly a top 5 third basemen over the last 12 months.  Whit Merrifield should be a top trade option for many teams over the next few weeks.  I already talked about Castellanos and how he has flown under the radar.  Some might be surprised to see Javy Baez on this list, but I think he has been more known for his antics and his defense.  It is easy to miss how good he has become at the plate.

Underrated Pitchers

Aaron Nola – PHI

Trevor Bauer – CLE

James Paxton – SEA

Carlos Carrasco – CLE

Blake Snell – TB

On almost every list, Aaron Nola was there.  He is one of the best pitchers in the league, and if the Phillies make the playoffs, he will be known for what he is.  Trevor Bauer has been a key member of the Indians rotation, but it is easy to be overshadowed by Kluber.  This might just be because I am a Mariners fan, but I feel like all things Mariners are underrated.  James Paxton is an ace whose stats show he should be in the conversation with the top pitchers in the league.  If Bauer is overshadowed by Kluber, Carlos Carrasco is overshadowed by both.  Blake Snell has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, but he was even underrated by his fellow players, taking an injury to get him on the All Star Team this year.

The Ineligibles

J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS

Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY

Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU

Before I get into the MVP's and Cy Young winners for the Wraparound Season, I have to mention a couple ineligibles.  J.D. Martinez has been the best hitter over the last 12 months, and it isn't even close.  Regardless of league, he tops almost every statistical category.  Giancarlo Stanton ended his time in Miami with one of the greatest second halves in MLB history.  It could be said his time in the Bronx so far has been disappointing, but when you are comparing it to 2017 (and his teammate Aaron Judge), it is really hard to exceed expectations.  Gerrit Cole seems to finally be turning into the ace everyone hoped he would be when he was a #1 pick in the draft.  It is like the Astros of the 2010's are like the Braves of the 1990's.  They make pitchers great.

AL Wraparound MVP

Mike Trout – LAA

Jose Ramirez – CLE

Mookie Betts – BOS

Francisco Lindor – CLE

Aaron Judge – NYY

For awhile, I thought Mike Trout's legacy was a result of the WAR era.  WAR was built for players like Trout.  However, he is a top hitter in the league, a top defender in the league.  He is the best player out there.  I am starting to agree with those that say he could go down as a top 5 player of all time.  Jose Ramirez topped my underrated player list last year, and now everyone is realizing how good he is.  Mookie Betts gets all the notoriety, but has definitely earned it with an outstanding first half.  Francisco Lindor might end up being the best of all the great young shortstops in the league right now.  Then there is Aaron Judge.  I keep waiting for something to show that he is too good to be true, but nothing has come up yet.

NL Wraparound MVP

Nolan Arenado – COL

Charlie Blackmon – COL

Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ

Freddie Freeman – ATL

Joey Votto – CIN

I think a Triple Crown is reason enough to get the MVP.  Nolan Arenado still needs to be given the credit he deserves for how good he has been.  The same could be said for Charlie Blackmon.  These two teammates (Trevor Story could be part of the conversation too) make the Rockies a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.  Paul Goldschmidt might be the most overlooked superstar of the last decade.  Freddie Freeman has been the leader of possibly the biggest surprise team of this season.  No list of the NL's best hitters is complete without Joey Votto.

AL Wraparound Cy Young

Justin Verlander – DET / HOU

Corey Kluber – CLE

Chris Sale – BOS

Luis Severino – NYY

Trevor Bauer – CLE

This list was the easiest to make as these five pitchers topped almost every single statistical category I tabulated.  Justin Verlander has found his form again and is cementing his case as a no-doubt Hall of Famer.  Corey Kluber anchors one of the best pitching staffs in the league.  Chris Sale is a freak that is one of only three pitchers to start three straight All Star Games on the mound.  Luis Severino might be the best young pitcher to come along in some time.  Trevor Bauer, again, deserves more credit than he gets.  By the way, the top three on this list is the same as last year.  Different order, but the same.

NL Wraparound Cy Young

Max Scherzer – WAS

Jacob deGrom – NYM

Aaron Nola – PHI

Patrick Corbin – ARZ

Zack Greinke – ARZ

One of the most significant parts of this list is who is missing.  Clayton Kershaw, thought to be one of the best pitchers of his generation, has been so injured and banged up over the last 12 months that he didn't even make my list of the top 156 pitchers statistically of the last 12 months.  Max Scherzer was number one last year, and is number one again.  Like Verlander, he seems to only get better.  There is a reason so many teams want Jacob deGrom this Trade Deadline.  He is really really good.  (On a side note, also missing the top 156 was deGrom teammate Noah Syndergaard.)  Aaron Nola will soon have the reputation that matches his skill.  Patrick Corbin and Zack Greinke show why the Diamondbacks made the playoffs last year and are in position to do it again this year.  They have put together a great starting rotation.

Top Relievers

Edwin Diaz – SEA

Kenley Jansen – LAD

Craig Kimbrel – BOS

Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS

Brad Hand – SD

Although he joined the long list of closers to blow a save at the All Star Game, it is hard to deny the dominance of Edwin Diaz over the last 12 months.  Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel might be the most trusted arms in each league because they have shown they can do it year after year.  Sean Doolittle has been filthy for several years now.  Being in DC might actually get him some recognition for it.  The Indians picking up Brad Hand has the potential to have just as much impact on the playoffs (maybe more) as the Dodgers picking up Machado.

To see all the stats gathered for the Wraparound Season, click the link below:

2017-2018 Wraparound Season Stats