Cleveland Guardians: The Forgotten Contender in Fantasy & Betting
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Cleveland Guardians enter the 2025 season as one of the most overlooked teams in the AL Central. With an elite bullpen, an improving offense, and strong young pitching, this team could be a sneaky bet to win the division. Let’s break down their fantasy baseball assets and betting angles.
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Kyle Manzardo: The Key to the Guardians’ Offense
Why Manzardo is a Fantasy Baseball Breakout Candidate
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Elite Spring Training Production: Kyle Manzardo has flashed major power and plate discipline, making him a strong sleeper pick in drafts.
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2024 Minor League Numbers: .280 AVG, 22 HR, 90 RBI, solid OBP skills.
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ADP (Average Draft Position): ~180 overall, making him a high-upside CI (corner infield) play.
If Manzardo produces at a 30-HR, 90-RBI pace, Cleveland’s offense becomes significantly more dangerous.
Ranking the AL Central Starting Rotations for the 2025 MLB Season
Guardians’ Pitching Staff: Can They Sustain Their Dominance?
Tanner Bibee & Gavin Williams: The Future of Cleveland’s Rotation
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Tanner Bibee’s 2024 Stats: 170 IP, 3.45 ERA, 184 strikeouts, 1.10 WHIP
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Gavin Williams’ Projection: 155 IP, 3.60 ERA, 165 strikeouts
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Fantasy Baseball Value: Both pitchers are being drafted as SP3/SP4s but have SP2 upside.
With Shane Bieber’s return on the horizon, the Guardians could have one of the deepest rotations in the AL Central.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Outlook: A Smart Play for AL Central Futures?
Best Betting Angles for the Guardians
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AL Central Futures Bet: With the Twins and Royals facing question marks, the Guardians could be a value bet to win the division.
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Win Total Bets: Their elite bullpen and young rotation make them a strong under-the-radar OVER play.
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Run Line & Under Bets: Cleveland’s elite bullpen strategy favors betting unders and close, low-scoring games.
Ranking the NL West Starting Rotations for the 2025 MLB Season
Why is Cleveland Undervalued?
1. Overlooked Offense
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Jose Ramirez remains an MVP-caliber bat.
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Lane Thomas & Steven Kwan add speed and versatility.
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If Manzardo breaks out, the Guardians will be a legit playoff threat.
2. Dominant Bullpen but No Hype
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Emmanuel Clase is arguably the best closer in baseball.
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Bullpens are volatile, but Cleveland has consistently developed elite arms.
Ranking the AL East Starting Rotations for the 2025 MLB Season
Conclusion: Why Cleveland is a Fantasy & Betting Goldmine
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Fantasy Baseball: Kyle Manzardo is a breakout bat, and Bibee/Williams are undervalued starters.
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MLB Betting: The Guardians’ win total & AL Central odds offer strong upside.
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Bullpen Strength: Run-line and under bets should be profitable throughout the season.
Cleveland may not be flashy, but they’re built to win games efficiently—making them an ideal team for fantasy and betting investments in 2025.
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