Guardians Face Offensive Challenges in 2026 Season

Cleveland's lineup lacks significant offseason additions as they aim for third straight AL Central title.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Cleveland Guardians are heading into the 2026 season looking to win their third consecutive American League Central division title. However, their offense struggled mightily in 2025, ranking near the bottom of the league in key categories like OPS and runs scored. The team has not made any major offseason acquisitions, instead relying on internal development to improve their lineup. Questions remain around the composition of the starting rotation and outfield, as well as the middle infield situation.

Why it matters

The Guardians' inability to significantly upgrade their offense in the offseason could hinder their chances of returning to the playoffs and making a deeper postseason run after a quick exit in the Wild Card round last year. Their reliance on young, unproven talent to step up could pay dividends, but also carries risk if those players fail to develop as expected.

The details

Cleveland's offense ranked 29th in OPS and 27th in runs scored last season, a clear area for growth. Jose Ramirez remains the centerpiece of the lineup, expected to bat third, with Kyle Manzardo providing protection in the cleanup spot. Steven Kwan will continue to lead off and play left field, while Bo Naylor is established as the starting catcher. However, questions linger beyond these core players, as the team has not signed any offensive players to Major League contracts this offseason. The pitching rotation also faces concerns, with Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee firmly established as the top two starters, but the rest of the rotation in flux. The outfield situation presents an intriguing dilemma, with George Valera and Nolan Jones vying for playing time, potentially limiting opportunities for prospect Chase DeLauter. The middle infield decision between Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias also remains unresolved.

  • The Guardians won their 13th division title in franchise history last year.
  • The team faced a quick exit in the Wild Card round against the Detroit Tigers in 2025.

The players

Jose Ramirez

The centerpiece of the Guardians' lineup, expected to bat third.

Kyle Manzardo

Providing protection for Ramirez in the cleanup spot.

Steven Kwan

Will continue to lead off and play left field.

Bo Naylor

Established as the starting catcher.

Gavin Williams

Firmly established as one of the top two starters in the Guardians' rotation.

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What’s next

The Guardians will need to resolve the middle infield situation and determine the best path forward for their outfield, as well as solidify the back end of their starting rotation, in order to position themselves for another division title and deeper postseason run.

The takeaway

The Guardians' reliance on internal development and young, unproven talent to improve their offense could pay dividends, but also carries significant risk if those players fail to take the expected step forward. Their ability to navigate these roster challenges will be crucial to their success in 2026.