The Cleveland Guardians are heading into 2026 with a chip on their shoulder and a clear goal in sight: a third straight AL Central title. Despite what the betting lines or preseason chatter might suggest, this team isn’t going away quietly.
Last year’s 88-win campaign saw them reclaim the division crown from a Detroit Tigers squad that faded down the stretch. Now, with a mix of emerging stars and reliable arms, Cleveland looks ready to run it back.
Let’s break down why the Guardians are built to stay on top-and the one glaring concern that could keep them from pulling off the three-peat.
1. Travis Bazzana Changes the Equation
When you take a player No. 1 overall, you’re hoping for a franchise cornerstone. Travis Bazzana is already looking like that and more.
He’s not just a promising young bat-he’s a catalyst. His advanced plate approach (just a 15% chase rate in the minors) and ability to barrel the ball (104 mph exit velocity) give Cleveland something it’s sorely lacked: a true on-base machine who can set the table for José Ramírez.
Bazzana’s presence at the top of the order adds a new dynamic to this offense. If he and Chase DeLauter can stay on the field, this lineup suddenly has the kind of top-to-bottom punch that can wear down pitching staffs. It’s not just about speed and contact anymore-there’s real thump here.
2. The Bullpen Is a Weapon, Not a Safety Net
In today’s game, a dominant bullpen can be just as valuable as a frontline starter, especially when you’re managing a young rotation. The Guardians have leaned into that philosophy, and it’s paying off.
Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis have emerged as late-inning anchors, turning nine-inning games into six-inning sprints. That’s huge for a team that doesn’t have a ton of veteran arms in the rotation.
According to FanGraphs projections, this bullpen is still one of the top three in the league-and it plays like it. When Cleveland gets a lead, they know how to hold it.
This kind of bullpen stability is rare, and it gives the Guardians a huge edge in close games, especially in a division where runs can be hard to come by.
3. Bo Naylor Is Quietly Becoming a Star
Bo Naylor might not be a household name yet, but he’s becoming one of the most complete catchers in the game. His growth behind the plate has been impressive-he’s handling a young staff with poise and maturity-but it’s his bat that’s turning heads.
Getting power production from the bottom of the order is a luxury most teams don’t have. Naylor gives Cleveland that luxury. He’s capable of changing a game with one swing, and his presence adds depth that separates the Guardians from teams like the Twins or White Sox, who often rely too heavily on their top four hitters.
The One Major Concern: Rotation Depth
Here’s where things get dicey. The Guardians are placing a lot of trust in Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams to carry the load at the top of the rotation.
Both have ace-level stuff, but the margin for error is razor-thin. If either goes down-or if the injury issues that plagued the staff in 2025 resurface-Cleveland could find itself scrambling.
There’s no veteran safety net here. The depth chart is thin, and while the bullpen can cover a lot of ground, it can’t mask a rotation that’s missing its top arms. That’s the one real vulnerability in what otherwise looks like a well-balanced roster.
Betting Against the Odds
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Guardians are currently +330 to win the AL Central-third behind the Tigers (+120) and Royals (+225). The oddsmakers are clearly banking on a Detroit bounce-back, but Cleveland has made a habit of defying expectations.
In a division where no team has truly separated itself, the Guardians’ blend of youth, bullpen dominance, and emerging star power might be exactly what it takes to stay on top.
They’ve done it before. Now they’re trying to do it again-and if the rotation holds, don’t be surprised if they pull it off.