The Guardians' Offseason Strategy: Building a Stronger Offense
The Cleveland Guardians are taking a calculated approach to bolstering their offense, focusing on internal development rather than free agency. This strategy is evident in their recent signings and decisions.
The Case for Internal Development
Chris Antonetti, Guardians president, emphasizes the team's belief in the potential of their current players. "We need to get better offensively, but we believe growth and development can come from the guys we have in the organization. If that proves incorrect, we'll adjust accordingly."
Mike Chernoff, the general manager, supports this view. "We don't target top-tier free agents. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't." He highlights the team's recent signings, such as Carlos Santana, who struggled in 2025 after a promising start, as examples of investments that didn't yield significant returns.
The Impact of Past Signings
Chernoff's perspective is supported by the team's history. The signings of Josh Bell, Mike Zunino, Cesar Hernandez, and Carlos Gonzalez have not been as successful as hoped. The team's last significant free-agent success was with Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis, who helped the Guardians reach the 2016 World Series.
The Encarnacion Trade
The trade of Edwin Encarnacion provides a case study in the team's approach. After winning the American League pennant in 2016, Encarnacion's contract was a significant burden. The trade to Seattle, involving Carlos Santana, helped the Guardians shed the remaining $25 million of Encarnacion's contract.
The Current Season's Performance
Despite a slow start, the Guardians finished the 2024 season with a strong record. Chernoff acknowledges, "Our offense wasn't good for most of the year, but it improved as we got younger."
The team's young players, such as Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus, showed promise in the latter part of the season. Valera and DeLauter, in particular, are seen as potential key contributors in the outfield.
The Prospects' Role
The Guardians have a strong farm system with several top prospects. Ralphy Velazquez and Travis Bazzana are notable names. Velazquez, a 20-year-old left-handed hitter, has shown great power and swing decisions. Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, has faced injuries but is expected to contribute this season.
Looking Ahead
The Guardians' strategy is clear: they are investing in their current players and prospects while being cautious with free-agent signings. This approach aims to build a stronger, more sustainable offense, focusing on internal development and strategic trades.
