The Cleveland Guardians have played and won 3 series so far in the 2024 MLB season with the fourth series against the Chicago White Sox set to wrap up today. The Guardians have had a strong start to their season with a record of 8-3 and fans around Cleveland are excited from what this time has shown. With 3 series already wrapped up, 3 takeaways have become more apparent with the direction this team could take in the coming months.

1. This team finally has an offensive identity

The biggest issue with the Cleveland Guardians over the last few years has been their lack of offensive identity. It felt as if it fell on Josh Naylor and José Ramírez to have any chance at an explosive play in years past. This year, however, the Guardians’ offense has been a blast to watch. Players like Steven Kwan, Andrés Giménez, and rotational player David Fry have been batting lights out, all 3 being over .300 mind you. I am not saying these three have ever been bad batters, but it seems that manager Stephen Vogt has unlocked a new level of offense out of these three and I am all here for it.

2. We need to figure out the starting pitcher situation as soon as possible

After two outstanding games, starting pitcher Shane Bieber has been ruled out for the year needing Tommy John surgery. This stung as a Cleveland Sports fan as the ace was finally looking like himself again and with this being the last year of his contract, we may have seen Shane throw his last pitch in Cleveland. The Guardians’ starting pitching rotation was not at 100% before the Bieber injury as Gavin Wiliams has been ruled with elbow issues. This led the team to start veteran Carlos Carrasco, and as much as I love “Cookie” he most likely is not a long-term fix at starting pitcher even when Williams returns. This team needs to figure out a better option at starting pitcher whether that be via trade or from the minors is yet to be seen.

3. Will Brennan needs some time in the minor leagues

Will Brennan, a fan favorite from last season has started his 2024 campaign slower than many expected. Will has been rotating in the outfield and has long needed to make adjustments when batting, as much as he worked on it in the off-season, it is clear he still needs to work on it, and with how this team is currently playing it would be best for him to get right at AAA Columbus and come in later in the year. on top of this, it would free up room for top prospects Kyle Monzardo and Chase Delauter to get a shot at the majors after a promising spring ball campaign from each of them. The future for Will Brennan remains in question as the Guardians continue to win games

The Cleveland Guardians have been a fun baseball team to watch thus far in the 2024 season. This team tends to start the season slow and under new manager Stephen Vogt this team seems to have new life in them, I for one am excited to watch Cleveland baseball in the coming months as they compete for the  AL Central.