Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on and acknowledge the things in our lives we are grateful for.

Yes, the Cleveland Guardians lost in the American League Wild Card Series during the 2025 season, but

This year, let’s take a look at three things the Cleveland Guardians should be thankful for.

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This one isn’t very original, but it still must be included; the Guardians have to be thankful, and honestly elate, that Jose Ramirez is on their roster.

The 33-year-old finished in the top three in the American League MVP voting again in 2025, and came off a season where he was Cleveland’s best all-around player again. Even though Ramirez isn’t getting any younger, he still managed to post a .283/.360/.503 slash and stole a career-high 44 bases.

Not only is Ramirez still one of the best players in baseball, but by all indications, he should remain a member of the Guardians for a very long time.

Sep 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third base Jose Ramírez (11) greets manager Stephen Vogt while being introduced before game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Sep 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third base Jose Ramírez (11) greets manager Stephen Vogt while being introduced before game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

There are a lot of people to credit for the Guardians’ elite pitching factory, but the person leading the way is Cleveland’s big-league pitching coach, Carl Willis.

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Whether it’s coming a pitcher down during a mound visit or helping them develop, progress, and grow off the field, there isn’t a person more important to Cleveland’s pitching success than Willis.

There was a possibility that Willis would call it a career after the 2025 season, but he has committed to the team for 2026, and that is one massive reason for Guardians fans to rejoice and be thankful.

There’s been so much hype centered around Chase DeLauter, and there’s a good reason for it; the 24-year-old truly has All-Star potential.

DeLauter only had one hit during his first two MLB games, but he had multiple loud outs and certainly proved he could work a count against some of MLB’s best pitchers.

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The idea of DeLauter in the Opening Day lineup in 2026 and as a key piece for Cleveland moving forward should give the Guardians reason to be thankful and hopeful that the offense will improve next season.