The Cleveland Guardians are just two years removed from winning 92 games and making it to the AL Division Series. Last season, Cleveland regressed in a big way. So, the question is, what year will be repeated in 2024?

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 76-86, 3rd in AL Central

Postseason: N/A

The Guardians took a big step back last season, falling by 16 games in the standings. This year, it will be an interesting type of transition season for Cleveland as it might look to unload players while hoping youngsters take a big jump.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses: SP Lucas Giolito, RP Reynaldo Lopez, SP Zach Please

Key Additions: N/A

The Guardians feel like they will go as far as their pitching takes them. Of course, Shane Bieber leads the way but with trade rumors, it is the young arms that have fans excited. Bieber has not been moved this offseason and at this point, it seems unlikely. Cleveland will have the chance to see what teams are buyers at the deadline and unload Bieber if need be.

Tanner Bibee and Triston McKenzie are other arms in the top half of the rotation. Bibee emerged last season and went 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA. At 24 years old, he is looking like he could be the next ace in Cleveland. As for McKenzie, he made 30 starts in 2022 and pitched to a 2.96 ERA. Last season, he made four starts before being put on the shelf with an elbow injury.

Jose Ramirez is signed through 2028. It feels like he will man third base for the Guardians until he retires and that is good news for the city of Cleveland. He continues to be one of the best at the position in baseball. Gimenez came over in the Francisco Lindor trade and has played second base since arriving. Originally a shortstop, there have been talks about Gimenez making the move to his right but it is likely he remains at second base.

The shortstop position is another question mark in Cleveland after trading Amed Rosario last year. Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias lead a group of contenders for the post heading into spring training. Arias is the better defensive player but he struggles at the plate and this could give the nod to Rocchio. Either way, the spot remains one to be desired.

Josh Naylor took a big jump to .308 last season, making him a trade candidate this season. He has hit 37 home runs over the last two years and is driving in runs when he gets the chance.

The outfield is going to be a diverse group with many question marks. Steven Kwan might not be one of them. Over the last two years, Kwan has hit .282 and has two Gold Gloves in the outfield. He is the perfect leadoff hitter for a Guardians’ team that is hoping its top four is productive. Myles Straw and Ramon Laureano remain question marks, along with the overall progression of Estevan Florial and Deyvison De Los Santos, who could transition to the outfield.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. Steven Kwan, OF
2. Andres Gimenez, 2B
3. Jose Ramirez, 3B
4. Josh Naylor, DH
5. Bo Naylor, C
6. Ramon Laureano, OF
7. Kyle Manzardo, 1B
8. Brayan Rocchio, SS
9. Myles Straw, OF

Potential Rotation

• Shane Bieber
• Triston McKenzie
• Tanner Bibee
• Logan Allen
• Gavin Williams

Final Record Prediction: 78-84