The 2025 season was special.
There’s no question that it’ll go down as one of the most incredible seasons in the history of the Cleveland Guardians’ organization. After months of up and down play, somehow, someway, the team was able to rally down 15.5 games to win the American League Central and force a postseason birth.
Reflecting on his tenure leading the Guardians through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, manager Stephen Vogt said he believes this team simply knows how to find a way to win.
“All the credit goes to our players and our staff and the hard work that they put in every day,” Vogt said in an interview with MLB Network. “I think what it is is just understanding who we are. You know, we’re… we’re built differently, we have to play differently, and we just find ways to win. I think that’s really the mentality that we’ve adopted, is you know, let’s go out every night with the intention that we know we’re better.
“We know we’re gonna win, and it may look different on any given night, but that’s why you play all the games, and we’re never out of it until we are, and couldn’t be more proud of our guys from last year.”
The two-time AL Manager of the Year is no stranger to adversity.
In 2025, the Cleveland Guardians endured a season filled with challenges. Some of the most significant were the league suspensions of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz following an illegal gambling investigation. That forced the coaching staff to completely change the rotation and update roles in the bullpen, including moving Cade Smith to the lead closer spot.
The team also struggled with inconsistent hitting, ranking near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories.
Despite those setbacks and struggles, the clubhouse remained unified under the leadership of Vogt and other players. Cleveland overcame everything it faced and ultimately captured a division title.