Cleveland.com photographers’ favorite 2025 Cleveland Guardians photos

CLEVELAND, Ohio– The Cleveland Guardians authored one of the most dramatic seasons in franchise history, highlighted by a second consecutive American League Central Division title after one of the most improbable comebacks the sport has ever seen.

Cleveland trailed Detroit by 15½ games as late as July 8 — the largest deficit overcome in MLB divisional history — before rallying in the final month to overtake the Tigers and clinch the division on the last day of the regular season.

Under manager Stephen Vogt, who won his second straight AL Manager of the Year Award for his role in that turnaround, the club finished with an 88–74 mark and extended its run of postseason appearances to three times in the last four seasons.

Amid all the success, perennial All-Star José Ramírez continued to shine, joining the exclusive 250 home run / 250 stolen base club and pacing a lineup that leaned heavily on his production. Defensively, Steven Kwan added a fourth Gold Glove to his resume with elite work in the outfield, anchoring what was one of MLB’s top defensive units.

Perhaps no storyline was more surprising — and more turbulent — than the gambling scandal that engulfed two key pitchers: both closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz were placed on paid leave mid-season and ultimately indicted on federal charges related to alleged sports-betting conspiracies, abruptly ending their seasons and leaving significant holes in Cleveland’s pitching plans.

Despite that off-field turmoil and early rotation questions, a remarkable turnaround by Cleveland’s young starting staff — with emergent contributions from Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi and Parker Messick — helped stabilize the club and propel it back into contention.

In a season full of adversity, from mid-season lapses to legal issues and roster upheaval, Vogt and the Guardians overcame every obstacle to reach the playoffs, reinforcing the resilience of the club’s core and setting a compelling stage for 2026.

Guardians third base José Ramírez (11) is doused with water after driving in the winning run during action in the MLB game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The Guardians won 5-4 in 10 innings. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

It’s a treat to watch José Ramírez do what he does in a Guardians jersey. Ramírez earned his place in the 250 home run / 250 stolen base club this season.

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies singles on a soft grounder to Cleveland Guardians third baseman Daniel Schneemann in the second inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.com

Not every play can be a perfect one. This frame of Daniel Schneemann trying to make a bare-handed catch shows how the precise these players have to be when a ball is flying at you.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi reacts after striking out Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, leaving two runners on base in the fourth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.com

Love the reaction of pitcher Slade Cecconi here after a strikeout that stranded two on base.

Cleveland Guardians outfielders Steven Kwan (L-R), Petey Halpin and Daniel Schneemann celebrate their 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

Some celebration as the Guardians beat the Tigers during their historic late-season run to clinch the division.

Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan is congratulated in the dugout after scoring in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians players celebrate the game-winning RBI single in the tenth inning by Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Kyle Manzardo at Progressive Field. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

Nothing like some extra innings of baseball and a walk-off win.

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is lifted by Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias as they celebrate their win over the Texas Rangers and a birth in the AL wild card playoffs. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

There was plenty of celebration late in the season. Here are a series of photos that capture the excitement of late-season baseball.

Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio celebrates after hitting a three-run walk-off home run against the Texas Rangers in the tenth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians’ bench and fans react to the home run hit by Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor in the eighth inning.John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges tags out Texas Rangers right fielder Dylan Moore at home plate in the eighth inning. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely to third base for a steak attempt hitting the legs of Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez catches the final out of the game, a pop up from Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Colton Cowser, in the ninth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo misses a pop up from Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II after losing the ball in the sun in the second inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comAtlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II is caught stealing second base as Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio tags him out in the second inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians center fielder Nolan Jones leaps up on the outfield wall missing a long drive for an RBI double off the bat of Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jake Bauers in the second inning at Progressive Field. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians center fielder Chase DeLauter (L) and Cleveland Guardians right fielder George Valera collide on a fly ball off the bat of Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene in the sixth inning. DeLauter made the catch for the out. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians relief pitcher Tim Herrin reacts after Detroit Tigers right fielder Wenceel Perez strikes out swinging in the seventh inning of the AL wild card game 2. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio reacts after hitting a three-run walk-off home run against the Texas Rangers in the tenth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan leaps up on the outfield wall and misses the long drive off the bat of New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe in the first inning, April 12, 2023, at Progressive Field.John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez singles on a sharp line drive to center field against the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.com

Every now and then the light on the field makes the photo more than the action itself. A pitcher framed in a pillar of light on the mound or, here, Ramírez singling as the shaft of light illuminates him.

The Guardians put on quite a fireworks display on Friday night, but it wasn’t on the field. The team lit up the skies above Progressive Field after the game between the Guardians and Detroit Tigers on Friday, July 4, 2025, which they lost 2-1. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Sometimes good photos aren’t from the game itself. Fireworks night, weather delays and rowdy fans make for some interesting photos.

Strom clouds roll over Progressive Field during a rain delay before the start of the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Minnesota Twins. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comA man wearing a Johnny Manziel jersey is handcuffed by police after jumping a wall and running onto the field during play between the Cleveland Guardians and the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor tags out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain at home on a throw from center fielder Nolan Jones in the eighth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians center fielder Angel Martinez dives for a liner off the bat Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez for the out in the first inning at Progressive Field. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians’ fans react to the second out in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians right fielder Nolan Jones reacts after hitting a 2-RBI double to center field against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comMinnesota Twins designated hitter Edouard Julien lines out to Cleveland Guardians right fielder Jhonkensy Noel in the fifth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry foul tips a bunt attempt into his face in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Fry was taken off the field in a medical cart. John Kuntz, cleveland.comCleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez waves a AL Central Champions flag after defeating the Texas Rangers 9-8 in the tenth inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.com