Last season the Cleveland Guardians struggled with getting on base and power. They stumbled and bumbled through the season, wrapping it up with a bad record of 76-86. They landed in the 3rd spot in the AL Central, 11th in the East overall, nothing worth much to anyone in Cleveland.
This season, the Guardians are on fire and looking forward to the MLB Playoffs. Starting off like they have wasn’t expected and a surprise for many, if not most. In 2023, Cleveland Guardians started off 7-6 after the 1st 13 games – showing that starting like this is a nice bump. Last season’s biggest downfall was the fact that they struggled to win close games, and blowouts, along with poor 2nd half play.
This season, so far, they haven’t just been winning, they have been bowling teams over. With a +28 run margin, they are beating teams this year with the average score of 5-3. I know it is extremely early – of course – but starting out like this early, builds confidence. The Guardians have beaten the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins – both teams were 87+ win teams last year, so that has to feel pretty good.
The Cleveland Guardians have started the 2024 campaign 7-2 away from home, their style has transferred very well to the road. They have begun the season playing really well on the road, which is a great early boost for the team. Cleveland has shown they can play. Last year they were just 34-47 and struggled to stop teams from scoring on the road, terribly.
This season has been different.
The Guardians are also loaded with some very good hitters, with several guys hitting .275 or better. Josh Naylor has been tops on the team with OPS, and has added 10 RBI. 25 year old Andres Gimenez has been picking his spots, dropping the ball all over the field, and Steven Kwan has had a hit or better in an astonishing 86% of his games played. This team has not relied on HRs and power, they have relied on choppers and slapping the ball all over the field. 31 year old Jose Ramirez hits an average of 28 HRs /season over the last 6 years – he hasn’t even begun to smash the ball with the power that he can deliver. Once he gets into his swing – that will bring another element for the team’s bats.
But the major thing that has been key for Cleveland and their early season success has been their pitching. It has been great. Tanner Bibee has been lights out with his slider, and Nick Sandlin has a sweet 2.45 ERA, as well. They aren’t giving up hits, not giving up hits, keeps players off base. Keeping players off base, eliminates runs being scored.
How the 2024 season goes for the Guardians is anyone guess, but the start has to give them a great feeling.