MLB · AL Central · Cleveland, Ohio, US · Progressive Field
Rebranded but unbroken, the Guardians carry forward a century of Cleveland baseball tradition—from Bob Feller's fastball to the Thome-Ramirez-Vizquel teams that electrified the 1990s—in a city where loyalty to the home team is as unyielding as the Lake Erie wind.
Updated March 21, 2026
Jose Ramirez signed a restructured seven-year, $175 million deal, cementing his status as a Guardian for life. At 33, Ramirez remains one of the most complete players in baseball and the emotional heartbeat of the clubhouse.
The Guardians squeaked into the playoffs on a miracle finish but were outscored by opponents over the full 2025 season. Despite the need for offensive upgrades, Cleveland mostly stood pat this winter, adding bullpen pieces but failing to address glaring lineup holes.
Cleveland's identity remains built on pitching and defense, but the question is whether that formula has a ceiling in the AL Central. Emmanuel Clase anchors one of baseball's best bullpens, but the offense needs to take a step forward to avoid another early October exit.