5 Keys to the Guardians’ Success in the 2025 MLB Season
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
5. Ensure Regular At-Bats for Manzardo and Noel
With David Fry sidelined for much of 2025, there’s an opportunity for young sluggers Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel to take on significant roles.
2024 highlights
Noel: 13 HR, .774 OPS, and 118 wRC+ in 198 MLB plate appearances. .958 OPS in the ALCS.
Manzardo: Struggled in the majors but excelled in Triple-A (.267/.398/.548, 143 wRC+). 1.077 OPS, including a key home run in Game 3.By giving these young bats consistent at-bats at DH, first base, or corner outfield, the Guardians can unlock their offensive upside and continue to develop their future stars.
1. Strengthen the Starting Rotation
The Guardians' rotation was their Achilles’ heel in 2024, ranking among the bottom of the league in multiple categories: 27th in fWAR (6.0), 24th in ERA (4.40), and 21st in opponent batting average (.248). Injuries and underperformance plagued them, with Shane Bieber sidelined early and young arms like Triston McKenzie and Gavin Williams struggling.
Key struggles
Triston McKenzie: 5.11 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 75.2 innings.
Gavin Williams: 4.86 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 76 innings.Even contributors like Ben Lively and Joey Cantillo, while solid in stretches, face potential regression.
What’s the solution?
The Guardians should target mid-tier free-agent starters such as Luis Severino, Walker Buehler, or even bring back Shane Bieber at a lower cost. These arms would provide much-needed stability without breaking the bank.
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2. Optimize Gavin Williams’ Pitch Mix
While Gavin Williams has shown promise, his 2024 campaign highlighted inefficiencies in his pitch usage. His reliance on the four-seam fastball (51.5% usage) hurt him, with opponents hitting .286 against it, a noticeable drop from his rookie season.
Key stats
-Slider usage dropped from 22.1% (2023) to 11.3% (2024), with opponents hitting .258 against it.
-His curveball was his most effective pitch, holding hitters to a .155 average.The fix? Increase his curveball usage and incorporate more of his cutter, which limited opponents to a .205 average and generated a 34.1% whiff rate. Optimizing his pitch arsenal could help Williams return to his rookie form.
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3. Upgrade the Middle Infield Offense
While Andrés Giménez and Brayan Rocchio are defensive stalwarts, their bats underperformed in 2024:
Giménez: .252 AVG, .638 OPS, and 83 wRC+.
Rocchio: .206 AVG, .614 OPS, and 79 wRC+.To bolster the lineup, Cleveland should add a bat-first infielder. Potential options include:
Jose Iglesias: A versatile veteran who hit .337 with a .830 OPS and 137 wRC+ in 2024.
Other free-agent infielders who can provide offensive reliability while maintaining flexibility in the lineup.4. Add an Impact Outfielder
The Guardians’ outfield has room for improvement, with Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas locked in but questions surrounding the third spot.
Will Brennan: A modest 98 wRC+ but limited upside.
Jhonkensy Noel: Impressive power (118 wRC+ in 2024), but his high strikeout rate (31.8%) raises concerns.
Options to consider:Teoscar Hernández or Anthony Santander as splashy free-agent signings for middle-of-the-order production.
Tyler O’Neill as a more affordable alternative with 131 wRC+ and power to boost an outfield ranked 21st in home runs.Internal prospect Chase DeLauter, who posted a .770 OPS in Double-A and could debut in 2025.
Adding a consistent outfield bat would provide much-needed offensive depth and balance to the Guardians’ lineup.5. Ensure Regular At-Bats for Manzardo and Noel
With David Fry sidelined for much of 2025, there’s an opportunity for young sluggers Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel to take on significant roles.
2024 highlights
Noel: 13 HR, .774 OPS, and 118 wRC+ in 198 MLB plate appearances. .958 OPS in the ALCS.
Manzardo: Struggled in the majors but excelled in Triple-A (.267/.398/.548, 143 wRC+). 1.077 OPS, including a key home run in Game 3.By giving these young bats consistent at-bats at DH, first base, or corner outfield, the Guardians can unlock their offensive upside and continue to develop their future stars.
1. Strengthen the Starting Rotation
The Guardians' rotation was their Achilles’ heel in 2024, ranking among the bottom of the league in multiple categories: 27th in fWAR (6.0), 24th in ERA (4.40), and 21st in opponent batting average (.248). Injuries and underperformance plagued them, with Shane Bieber sidelined early and young arms like Triston McKenzie and Gavin Williams struggling.
Key struggles
Triston McKenzie: 5.11 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 75.2 innings.
Gavin Williams: 4.86 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 76 innings.Even contributors like Ben Lively and Joey Cantillo, while solid in stretches, face potential regression.
What’s the solution?
The Guardians should target mid-tier free-agent starters such as Luis Severino, Walker Buehler, or even bring back Shane Bieber at a lower cost. These arms would provide much-needed stability without breaking the bank.
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