Heading into the season, expectations weren’t very high for the Cleveland Guardians. They missed the postseason last year, longtime manager Terry Francona retired, their offense was punchless in 2023, and the team made no significant changes in the offseason. On paper, there wasn’t anything exciting going on with this team. However, the Cleveland Guardians have been one of the biggest surprises this season and are currently one of the better teams in the league. On a team with a terrific track record of developing pitchers, it has been their offense that’s been the key to their success.
A Season To Forget Compounded By A Lifeless Offense
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Cleveland Guardians had a season to forget in 2023. They finished that year in third place with a 76-86 record, only ahead of the White Sox and Royals. Aside from Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor, Cleveland’s offense was lifeless. As a team, the Guardians only averaged 4.09 runs per game. Only the Tigers, White Sox, and Athletics averaged fewer runs in the American League. They had very little power as well; the Guardians finished last in the American League in home runs hitting only 124. The only player in the Guardians lineup to hit more than 17 home runs was Jose Ramirez who hit 24 round-trippers. Free agent signee Josh Bell was a bust as well. He only swatted 11 homers and 48 RBI before being traded to the Miami Marlins at the deadline.
An Offseason Of Transition
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the offseason, the franchise went through a significant transition. Cleveland’s all-time winningest manager Terry Francona stepped down due to health reasons. The team hired former big league catcher Stephen Vogt as his replacement. Vogt had spent the 2023 season as a coach for the Seattle Mariners. Aside from hiring Vogt, Cleveland made no major moves to improve their offense. The only notable change made to the lineup was bringing back journeyman and defense first catcher Austin Hedges. With a first-time manager and no significant changes being made to Cleveland’s lineup, expectations weren’t high for Cleveland. Many predicted the Guardians would miss the playoffs again and finish only ahead of the White Sox in the AL Central.
New Manager New Approach
Embed from Getty ImagesDuring spring training, Stephen Vogt and his staff completely revamped the offensive approach. Vogt decided he wanted his Cleveland Guardian team to sacrifice some contact for more power. He also wanted the team to have more aggression when running the bases. This was quite a change from Cleveland’s approach last year.
The New Approach Has Worked Wonders For The Guardians
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the pessimism going into the season, the Cleveland Guardians have been one of the biggest surprises this year. On a team known for successfully developing pitchers, it has been shockingly Cleveland’s offense leading the charge. The Guardians turning it around offensively has been one of the biggest stories in baseball this year. Cleveland is averaging 5.06 runs per game, only trailing the Baltimore Orioles. The Guardians have also shown they can hit for power. As a team, Cleveland has hit 70 home runs so far this season and is well on their way to surpassing their 2023 total. Cleveland has also swiped 57 bases so far this season. It’s safe to say the new approach is working.
The Team Has Had More Contributors
Embed from Getty ImagesRamirez and Naylor will always be Cleveland’s main offensive catalysts. However, they’ve managed to get positive production from David Fry, Steven Kwan, Andres Gimenez, and Tyler Freeman. Fry has been the biggest surprise this season as a great super utility player. Kwan, at one point, was leading the league in batting average before a stint on the injured list. Freeman has improved tremendously as a hitter. The fact that the team is getting more contributions from other players will mean bigger things might happen for Cleveland.
Big Things Could Happen For Cleveland Going Forward
Embed from Getty ImagesIn years past, it would always fall on the Cleveland Guardians pitching staff for them to have success. Their offense lived and died by the success of Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor. While this plan led to regular-season success, it has often resulted in early postseason exits. This season, the Cleveland Guardians are getting positive contributions from other players. With a starting rotation getting healthier, a lockdown bullpen, and a greatly improved offense; big things could be on the horizon for the Guardians.
For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter. Featured Images: Getty Images
