Here are the three biggest X-Factors for the Cleveland Guardians entering the 2026 playoffs.
The Cleveland Guardians were able to not only clinch a spot in the playoffs, but they also were able to secure a first-round bye.
Thanks to the American League being much weaker than usual this season, the Guardians took advantage to get the bye. Cleveland won the AL Central after a long season of scratching and clawing their way back into the division.
Now, the Guardians have a few days off to rest, recover, and get ready for the ALDS that starts this weekend. Cleveland will have a chance to watch the series between Houston and Chicago, scouting everything.
Cleveland will be facing the winner of the Houston Astros-Chicago White Sox series, hosting whomever for Games 1 and 2 to start. The Guardians lost the season series to both the White Sox and Astros, giving them a challenge to open the postseason.
But before any matchup comes together for the Guardians, there are a few players that will determine everything for this group. Here are the three biggest X-Factors for Cleveland in the playoffs, mo matter who they face.
1. Parker Messick
Messick has been one of the biggest heroes for this team this season, providing the starting rotation with a massive boost. The rookie left-hander has excelled at the major league level, and the Guardians need him to keep it up.
The lefty has recorded a 2.56 ERA over 32 starts for the Guardians this year. Cleveland will rely heavily on him as the playoffs get started, hoping the pressure doesn't get to him.
2. Brayan Rocchio
Rocchio is one of the more underrated players on this roster, with the shortstop providing Cleveland with a spark offensively. The nine-hole hitter gives the Guardians solid at-bats, and in the playoffs, this can change everything.
For the season, Rocchio hit .253 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs, while putting up an OPS of .704. Cleveland's offense has seen a lot of issues this season, but Rocchio has been one of the few bright spots.
3. José Ramírez
Ramírez has seen some trouble this season at the plate, and it's hurt the Guardians overall offense. But the veteran star can change everything for himself if he can turn it around in the playoffs.
For the year, Ramírez has hit .235 with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .688. The Guardians are going to need their slugger to get his bat going if they want to go on a deep playoff run this year.
