As the Cleveland Guardians prepare for 2026, here are three commitments they should stick to throughout the year.
With the New Year upon us, now is the time to make new commitments and pledges. As the Cleveland Guardians flip the calendar to 2026, here are three New Year’s resolutions for the Cleveland Guardians.
Guardians Should Spend Money On A Bat
The Guardians have spent an estimated $11.5 million in free agency this offseason. That’s nothing, but Cleveland should be in a position, payroll-wise, to hand out one or two more major league contracts.
When looking at what the team needs most now, it’s still another proven major league bat to add to a lineup that was statistically one of the worst in MLB a year ago.
The players that the Guardians should pursue haven’t changed: Austin Hays, Miguel Andujar, Harrison Bader, or Randal Grichuk.
Don’t Wait; Play The Prospects
The reason the Guardians haven’t signed a veteran hitter yet is that they don’t want to take opportunities away from the young players and prospects who will debut in 2026. That’s at least what Chris Antonetti said earlier this offseason.
If not blocking opportunities is what is stopping Cleveland from adding a bat, then they should let the prospects play right when the 2026 season kicks off.
After making his debut in the playoffs, there’s no reason for Chase DeLauter to start the season in the minors. George Valera proved he can be an impact bat through the final month of the season and in the postseason. Juan Brito was a candidate to make the Opening Day roster in 2025. If he’s healthy, nothing has changed for 2026.
Perhaps Travis Bazzana begins the season with the Columbus Clippers just to ensure he’s healthy after an injury-filled 2025, but there’s no reason he needs to stay there long.
Don’t Rely On Historic Comebacks
As memorable as it was for the Guardians to come back from a 15.5-game deficit to win the American League Central in 2025, that certainly isn’t a recipe for success every year.
During the 2026 season, the Guardians should focus on consistency throughout the season; that way, they don’t need to go 20-7 in September to sneak into the playoffs.