The Guardians went on an improbable run to repeat as division champions but, in a way, they won 88 games and pulled off some historical feats despite their hitting, and not because of it.
The Guardians finished the season with the fewest runs scored in the American League. In the majors, only the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates — two teams that averaged 57 wins between them — scored fewer runs.
Cleveland was given a shot of optimism in the Wild Card Series, when young outfielders George Valera and Chase DeLauter — the latter making his MLB debut in the playoffs — made their mark on a series that, ultimately, was won 2-1 by the Detroit Tigers.
As MLB free agency gets underway and the Rule 5 Draft approaches, here’s look at the projected Guardians Opening Day 2026 lineup. They’re set to open the 2026 season in Seattle against the Mariners on March 26.
2026 Guardians projected starting lineupSteven Kwan, LFGeorge Valera, RFJose Ramirez, 3BKyle Manzardo 1BChase DeLauter, CFGabriel Arias, SSC.J. Kayfus, DHBo Naylor, CBrayan Rocchio, 2B
The first note on this projected starting lineup is a major one: it’s assuming Steven Kwan is still in a Guardians uniform.
Kwan was a major trade target at the deadline, though the Guardians opted to hold onto their All-Star left fielder, which helped spur their historic comeback. President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff will assuredly continue to receive phone calls on Kwan’s availability. The two sides have yet to come to an agreement on a long-term extension to keep Kwan in Cleveland beyond the 2027 season, though room exists within their future payroll to do so.
The Guardians facing the Mariners on Opening Day just about guarantees they’ll face a right-handed starter. The Mariners have a talented, but all-righty, rotation.
The No. 4 spot in Cleveland’s lineup is key, as the Guardians want to avoid teams choosing to pitch around Jose Ramirez more than they already will. Kyle Manzardo had some strong moments accomplishing that task in 2024.
David Fry is expected to be available to play the field. He could also be in the Opening Day lineup at DH in place of C.J. Kayfus, though Stephen Vogt could also line up as many lefties as possible and utilize Fry as a pinch-hitter when applicable.