2025 Cleveland Guardians: Season Preview & Key Players

2025 MLB Column: Cleveland Guardians’ Season Outlook and Betting Predictions

Cleveland’s Annual Overachievement – Can It Happen Again?

The Guardians seem to find a way to overachieve every season, much like the Milwaukee Brewers. They’re never a high-payroll team, yet they consistently get surprising offensive contributions from lesser-known players. The question in 2025 is: Who will be that breakout player?

Kyle Manzardo is an intriguing candidate, expected to bat second ahead of Jose Ramirez. Steven Kwan is a reliable batting average machine, and the return of Carlos Santana adds a veteran presence. Lane Thomas, known for his streaky power, is another wildcard. Meanwhile, Cleveland is taking a chance on young infielder Brayan Rocchio after moving on from Andrés Giménez, signaling their belief in his potential.

But with a lineup that lacks depth beyond a few core players, the Guardians will need at least one unexpected breakout star to keep their offense competitive.

Betting Market: Will Cleveland’s Offense Surprise in 2025?

Buy or Sell: Cleveland Will Have a Top 15 Offense?

• Sell: The lineup isn’t deep enough. Outside of Jose Ramirez, few hitters inspire confidence, and a weak back half of the order could drag down their overall production.

• Buy: If Manzardo or Rocchio emerges, and Thomas delivers 25+ home runs, Cleveland could exceed expectations, especially in a weaker AL Central.

Pitching Uncertainty – Enough to Contend?

Cleveland’s pitching has been its calling card for years, but this year’s rotation is full of question marks. Last season, fantasy hype surrounded Gavin Williams, yet he struggled through injuries and inconsistency. Tanner Bibee now leads the staff, while Ben Lively was a surprising success in 2024. Luis Ortiz, Tristan McKenzie, and Logan Allen round out a rotation that lacks a true ace.

The bullpen, on the other hand, remains elite. Emmanuel Clase leads a strong relief corps, but how much can they shoulder if the rotation struggles to provide length?

Betting Market: Can Cleveland’s Rotation Hold Up?

Buy or Sell: Cleveland’s Starters Will Average 5+ Innings per Start?

• Sell: Too many question marks. Bibee is solid, but Williams, McKenzie, and Allen have durability concerns. The bullpen could be taxed all season.

• Buy: If Williams rebounds and McKenzie rediscovers his form from 2022, this group could outperform expectations.

Playoff Hopes – Is This the Year the Guardians Take a Step Back?

Cleveland and the Minnesota Twins have controlled the AL Central in recent years, but the division could be shifting. The Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers are on the rise, and Cleveland may struggle to keep up. While they likely won’t be terrible, they could find themselves around 80 wins, potentially leading to a sell-off at the trade deadline.

Buy or Sell: Cleveland Makes the Playoffs?

• Sell: Too many holes in the rotation, an offense that lacks star power beyond Ramirez, and an improving division make the road to October difficult.

• Buy: If everything breaks right—Bibee becomes an ace, the bullpen dominates, and Manzardo or Rocchio emerges—Cleveland could sneak into a Wild Card spot.

Final Betting Takeaways

• Cleveland’s offense: Unlikely to be a top 15 unit unless multiple hitters break out.

• Starting rotation durability: Uncertainty could lead to heavy bullpen reliance.

• Playoff hopes: The Guardians are likely a fringe contender, but an 80-win season seems more realistic than a serious division title run.

The Guardians will once again rely on their knack for surprises. But with a shaky rotation and limited offensive firepower, this might be the year the overachievement stops.

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