Building the Guardians' Roster for the 2026 Season

The Cleveland Guardians are entering the 2026 season with significant challenges, particularly regarding their offensive performance. Despite winning the American League (AL) Central last year, the team finished last in the AL with only 643 runs scored, marking a negative run differential of -6. This was a historic achievement, as they became the first team to reach the postseason with such a deficit since the 1987 Minnesota Twins. The Guardians' offense struggled notably during a 10-game losing streak, where they were shut out five times and scored two or fewer runs on three occasions.

The Guardians have made some moves to bolster their roster, including extending All-Star José Ramírez’s contract through 2032. However, the team still needs to find additional offensive support. Players like Kyle Manzardo, who hit 27 home runs last season, and second baseman Brayan Rocchio, who posted a .257 batting average with 32 RBIs in the second half, show promise but may not be enough to ensure a competitive offense.

The team is also facing uncertainty with closer Emmanuel Clase, who is under indictment for allegedly conspiring with gamblers. His trial is scheduled for May, and the outcome could significantly impact the team's bullpen strategy.

Cleveland's financial situation is somewhat constrained, especially after losing their regional network TV contract with Main Street Sports Group. Nevertheless, they have an estimated $74 million to work with for roster improvements. The Guardians are exploring free-agent options, including right-handed hitters Austin Hays and Miguel Andujar, who could provide balance to a predominantly left-handed lineup. Last season, the Guardians struggled against left-handed pitching, hitting only .224.

If free agency does not yield the desired results, the Guardians may consider trades. Notably, Travis Bazzana, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, is available at Triple-A and could be a valuable asset in negotiations, especially with teams like the San Francisco Giants looking for a second baseman.

Cleveland's pitching rotation appears solid, featuring six potential starters, including Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams. However, the depth beyond the first six starters remains uncertain. The team has added several low-cost free agents to enhance their bullpen, which has been one of the best in the league over the past two years. The competition for spots in the eight-man bullpen will be a focal point during spring training.

As the Guardians prepare for the 2026 season, the focus will be on enhancing their offensive capabilities while maintaining a strong pitching staff. The offseason has been relatively quiet compared to previous years, but the team has earned the benefit of the doubt based on their recent successes. Moving forward, strategic acquisitions and potential trades will be crucial for the Guardians to remain competitive in the AL Central.

• “To bring back the position-player core of that team and expect a competitive offense to emerge is a leap of faith.” — Paul Hoynes, Sports Writer

• “The offseason is far from over, but they’ve rarely been this quiet over the last decade when it comes to adding and subtracting from the roster.” — Paul Hoynes, Sports Writer