Last year, the Guardians completed the largest comeback in MLB history to win the AL Central.
This year, the entire roster is set to return, with several top prospects knocking on the door to debut.
However, the team has slashed payroll by almost $30 million and failed to find a proven centerfielder or a proven right-handed lefty masher for the middle of their order. They also will be without elite closer Emmanuel Clase and up-and-coming young starter, Luis Ortiz, who are likely to be out of baseball entirely after allegedly gambling on the game. Meanwhile, the Tigers have signed Guardians’ nemesis Framber Valdez to pair with Tarik Skubal.
Are you more excited for 2026 than you were for 2025? Why or why not?
