It’s been a quiet offseason for the Cleveland Guardians, too quiet if you ask the fanbase. After seeing the Guardians erase the largest deficit to win a division title (15.5 games), the hope was that ownership and the front office would push all in for 2026. Instead, outside of extending José Ramírez, there have been no other needle-moving acquisitions to suggest otherwise.
For a team that ranked in the bottom third of MLB in offense, the idea was for them to address those needs. However, on the last day of January, that doesn’t seem to be the case. That said, concerns have been raised as each day passes by, and it’s fair for fans to worry about the 2026 season.
Guardians Not Addressing Offensive Needs
GettyCleveland Guardians
In terms of position player moves for the Guardians, they’ve only added Stuart Fairchild and Carter Kieboom by signing them to minor-league deals. Outside of that, not much has been addressed. They tried to bring back Lane Thomas, but he signed with the Kansas City Royals, and Austin Hayes signed with the Chicago White Sox on Saturday morning. Zack Meisel of The Athletic wrote about how Guardians president Chris Antonetti spoke on Thursday, Jan. 29, stressing the fact that the team’s offensive production must improve.
After finishing 29th in average (.226), OBP (.296), and Slugging (.373), it’s fair to say that it needs to improve. It’s a miracle that the Guardians came back from 15.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers to win their 11th AL Central title. They finished 30th in hits (1,199), 20th in home runs (168), 28th in RBIs (621), 20th in walks (494), 28th in runs (643), and 30th in at-bats (5,310) in 2025. The only stat close to the Top 10 in baseball was stolen bases (129), which was 11th. When it comes down to it, the Guardians need to get some outside help via a trade or free agency.
Relying on Possible Internal Options to Fix Issues
However, it seems the team is looking internally at the younger players to fix their issues. They’re hoping their young players like Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana, Juan Brito, and George Valera stay healthy and find ways to help the big club in 2026. Furthermore, the Guardians are hoping to see C.J. Kayfus, Gabriel Arias, Angel Martínez, and a couple of others take a step in 2026. Also, could Nolan Jones, Brayan Rocchio, and Daniel Schneemann find consistency at the plate, while their defense has been servicable? Outside of Ramirez, Steven Kwan, and Kyle Manzardo, there are a ton of question marks on the roster regarding position players.
Antonetti did mention that it’s possible the approach flops and they have to course correct with a midseason trade. While that is an option, that’s a huge gamble, especially when who knows where the season will look like by that point. Relying on inexperienced players as the number one option to fix a struggling offense will be interesting to watch. Especially after the “power of friendship” approach has managed success in the last two seasons, however, can it work again for a third?
When it comes down to it, fans should be concerned with how the Guardians conducted their offseason so far. Pitchers and catchers report in 14 days on Feb. 13, and then the full squad starts on Feb. 18. Their first game is on Feb. 22 when Cactus League games begin. The Guardians’ Opening Day game is on March 26th in Seattle against the Mariners. Unless ownership and the front office make a move before March 26, this could be another interesting season for the Guardians’ offense in 2026.
Guardians Quiet Offseason Raising Concerns for 2026 Season