We all know the story at this point: the Cleveland Guardians have a solid foundation with their roster, but definitely need to make some adjustments and additions to the team if they want to be World Series contenders in 2026. 

Mike Pertriello of MLB.com recently ranked all 30 MLB rosters and identified their biggest needs at this point in the offseason. For the Guardians, the analyst ranked them at No. 22 and identified middle infield, center field, right field, first base, and pitching depth as their top needs.

There are some points here that I can get behind, and some that don’t just quite add up when looking at the team.

The Guardians Need Outfield Help

As Pertriello points out, the Guardians need help in the outfield, and that should be the top priority on their offseason to-do list. As a position group, Cleveland’s outfielders slashed .225/.288/.341 with a wRC+ of 77. That’s just not going to cut it.

Chase DeLuater, George Valera, CJ Kayfus, and Petey Halpin being in the mix should certainly help, but the injury history of DeLauter and Valera shouldn’t stop the Guardians from trading for or signing a veteran outfielder. 

Cleveland Could Always Use Extra, But Not A Priority

Seeing “middle infield” and “pitching depth” on this list for the Guardians was admittedly a surprise. Cleveland will likely start the season with Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio up the middle, and definitely, there are definitely worse combinations, even if the offense isn’t up to par.

The elephant in the room, though, is that Travis Bazzana should be making his MLB debut at some point during the first half of the 2025 season. Adding to the middle infield position group over the offseason could force the Guardians to make some tough in-season moves.

Of course, any team would love to have one more starter or one more reliable reliever, but as far as the pitching staff goes, Cleveland isn’t in a terrible spot. They ended the season with a six-man rotation, which will need to be cut down before Opening Day.

Yes, Pertriello notes, “There’s maybe some pitching depth questions, too, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of closer Emmanuel Clase.” However, if there’s something we can trust the Guardians organization to do, it’s to develop pitchers.

Guardians Are Actually Good At First Base

Cleveland adding a first baseman to the roster for next season really wouldn’t make much sense. Kyle Manzardo showed growth at the position last season, CJ Kayfus’ natural position is at first, and David Fry will be in the mix at the position once his elbow rehab is finished.

Plus, Ralphy Velazquez was one of the best hitters in the minor leagues during the second half of last season. Unless Cleveland trades one or two of these players, adding another first baseman would only increase a growing logjam.