The Cleveland Guardians are focusing on improving their struggling offense this offseason, but their starting rotation emerged as a key strength in 2025. Manager Stephen Vogt hailed it as the team’s success story, citing a shift to a six-man rotation that yielded impressive results. From the All-Star break onward, the Guardians’ starters recorded a 3.60 ERA, ranking among the league’s best and propelling the team to a playoff berth. Notable performances came from Tanner Bibee and rookie Slade Cecconi, showcasing the rotation’s development and depth.
By the NumbersGuardians’ starting pitchers posted a combined 2.60 ERA in September, second in the MLB.After the All-Star break, the rotation achieved a 3.60 ERA, ranking tied for fifth in the league. State of PlayThe rotation’s success was driven by the collective improvement from previous seasons, with significant contributions from new and returning players.Despite injuries and player changes, including trades and surgeries, the Guardians maintained a competitive starting staff throughout the season. What’s Next
Cleveland will look to build on this momentum by integrating new talent and further solidifying their rotation while addressing offensive struggles in the offseason.
Bottom Line
The Guardians’ starting rotation has proven essential in their postseason success, setting a foundation for future competitiveness as they seek to enhance their offensive capabilities.