Guardians’ Quiet Offseason Draws Criticism, Raises Questions Ahead of 2026
The Cleveland Guardians made one massive move this offseason-and then pretty much stood still.
Signing José Ramírez to a seven-year, $175 million extension was the kind of franchise-defining commitment that sends a clear message: this is his team. Locking in a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate not only solidifies the heart of the lineup but also gives fans a reason to believe in the long-term vision. Ramírez is the face of the franchise, and now, he’s here to stay.
But beyond that headline-grabbing deal, the Guardians’ offseason has been defined more by what didn’t happen than what did. And that’s where the concerns start to pile up.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden certainly didn’t hold back in his offseason report card, handing the Guardians a "D" grade. His reasoning? Cleveland’s only Major League signings were three relatively low-profile relievers-moves that feel more like patchwork than progress.
The bullpen was an area that needed attention, especially with the likely departure of closer Emmanuel Clase. But even with that void, the Guardians still have some solid arms in Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and others who showed flashes last season. So while the relief corps may not be elite, it’s not exactly a disaster zone either.
Where things get more troubling is on the offensive side. The Guardians’ bats went ice cold when it mattered most last year, and the team entered the postseason with four regulars hitting under .200.
That’s not just a slump-that’s a red flag. And yet, the only offensive additions this winter have been minor-league deals for Stuart Fairchild and Carter Kieboom.
Both are depth pieces at best, not the kind of upgrades that move the needle for a team trying to stay atop the AL Central.
Yes, the Guardians do have young talent on the way. Prospects like Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana bring real excitement and upside.
But relying too heavily on rookies to carry the load is a risky proposition. The grind of a 162-game season is unforgiving, and even the most polished prospects hit speed bumps.
Betting big on youth without veteran reinforcements feels more like a gamble than a strategy.
Now, to be fair, it's not like the rest of the AL Central has been lighting up the offseason either.
The Royals earned the highest grade in the division with a "B" from Bowden, thanks to steady additions like outfielder Lane Thomas and reliever Matt Strahm. But even they have unresolved issues in the outfield that could come back to bite them.
The White Sox got a "B-" largely due to their intriguing signing of Munetaka Murakami. If his power translates from Japan to the big leagues, that deal could end up being a steal. But that’s still a big "if."
The Tigers, who knocked the Guardians out in the Wild Card Series, received a "C+"-not because of flashy moves, but because of internal drama. Their inability to settle arbitration with ace Tarik Skubal could have long-term implications for their relationship with one of their most important players.
So while the Guardians aren’t alone in their conservative approach this winter, that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. Standing pat in a division full of question marks might be a calculated risk-but it’s still a risk. And when you’ve got a player like José Ramírez locked in for the long haul, the clock is ticking to build a contender around him.
The Guardians may be banking on internal growth and prospect development to carry them forward. But in a league that’s only getting more competitive, staying still can sometimes feel like falling behind.