Guardians Baseball Insider

Image: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Division Standings 

(Bold is best record,  *indicate 1st wild card, **indicate 2nd wild card)

Justin Lada

Willie Hood:

Joe Coblitz

Pat Ellington:

Arthur Kinney:

Spencer Carlson:

Tyler Stotsky:

World Series predictions:

Award predictions

Cleveland specific predictions:

Justin: A typical offensive season from Eddie Rosario and a breakout season from Franmil Reyes would go a long way supporting Jose Ramirez and Cesar Hernandez at the top of the order, and might take some pressure at the bottom of the order. Which, have you seen those names? Aaron Civale didn’t have a great spring, but Zach Plesac had a little breakout in 2020 and 2021 looks like Civale’s yeat to flourish. Oscar Mercado being sent dow already is a bad sign for where he’s at. For once, Cleveland will probably stand pat at the trading deadline, hanging on to their verteran pieces and trying out younger ones. The bottom of the order and suspect outfield will keep this team from a high ceiling, but the fact that only their ace has ever pitched a full year before means they’ll have to live with the trials and tribulations of inexperinced pitchers over 162 games and that will be their downfall. 

Willie: The starting pitching behind Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, and Aaron Civale will remain strong. While Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen, and Cal Quantrill attempt to establish themselves; McKenzie seems likely to be delayed to start the season with Allen grasping hold of the fourth spot. In the pen, Nick WIttgren shows he’s just good enough to get the bulk of the saves with Emmanuel Clase and James Karinchak displaying their abilities largely in the 7th and 8th innings. On the offensive side of the ball; Franmil Reyes and Josh Naylor should firmly implant themselves in the lineup. While I believe Reyes will have the bigger year offensively, Naylor’s ability to hit and play average right makes him a valuable contributor long term. Eddie Rosario’s experience in the AL Central leads to another big offensive season giving Cleveland three hitters with 25+ home runs. Jose Ramirez has another great year and is passed over once again as an AL MVP candidate.

Joe: The Indians outfield has been a mess both offensively and defensively since Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall left and it wasn’t particularly exceptional even then. Adding Rosario should help, but experimenting with a bunch of infielders out there may hurt. While that group could be a weakness, I think the infield offense will be better than expected, especially if they manage to get enough ABs to Franmil Reyes, Bobby Bradley and Nolan Jones.

Pat: I think that young pitching staff will be above average at the least and my main concern is the youth in the position player group. Ramirez, Rosario, Hernandez, and Perez provide a stable floor but this team will go as far as Franmil Reyes, Andres Gimenez, Daniel Johnson, Josh Naylor, etc. will take it. Daniel Johnson should have been the opening day rightfielder, and Josh Naylor should have been the opening day first baseman, and I think they will wind up there by the All-Star Break. 

Arthur: This team has the hardest thing in baseball to get: pitching. They could probably win a weak division but are stuck in the Central with the White Sox.  Reyes should now be more accustomed to American League pitching and ready to return to his usual level.  Clase will show everyone what the hype was about in the eighth inning of games while Wittgren surprises many by claiming and stabilizing the closer role. The outfield (everything about it) remains a concern and I’m not sure if Amed Rosario is the answer.

Spencer: This team still has a lot of fun young arms. They also are facing better, more improved teams in AL Central than in the past. Especially the lineups of the Twins and White Sox. If one starting pitcher and 1-2 bats breakout for the tribe this season they could win 88-90 games and sneak into playoffs. Season could go sideways but Terry Francona has a proven track record of that not happening. Excited to see Amed Rosario and Franmil Reyes hit. 

Tyler: Once again, the strong suit for the Indians will be the pitching. Between the rotation and the arms in the bullpen, this team can be set for a successful season should everyone remain healthy. Add on the offensive ability from J-Ram, Reyes, Rosario, Naylor and Perez, this team will be in the mix for the Central crown and the Wild Card even with the White Sox and Twins getting stronger. I think the younger bats (Gimenez, Chang, Bradley) will create some spark this season, including Bradley coming back up and taking the 1B job from Bauers.