The Cleveland Guardians’ exit from the ALCS against the New York Yankees was indeed surprising, especially given their strong bullpen performance during the regular season. With a league-leading 2.57 ERA, the Guardians seemed well-equipped for a deep playoff run. However, the postseason saw a stark contrast, with the bullpen’s ERA rising to 3.57, highlighted by Emmanuel Clase’s struggles in critical moments, including being shelled in the decisive Game 5.
As the Guardians reflect on their early exit and begin to prepare for next season, there are significant decisions to be made regarding their roster. With several key players hitting free agency, including three who are unlikely to return, the team will have to reassess its strategy moving forward.
These departures could open opportunities for younger talent and new acquisitions, but they also signal a need for the Guardians to bolster their roster to avoid similar disappointments in the future. As they watch the World Series from home, the focus will shift to rebuilding and improving their chances for 2025, addressing the shortcomings that were exposed in the postseason.
3. Alex Cobb was a trade deadline bust the Guardains won’t bring back
The acquisition of Alex Cobb by the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline initially appeared to be a strategic move, particularly for a small-market team looking to bolster its rotation. Cobb’s modest contract and potential for a comeback from injury offered the Guardians a low-risk opportunity to enhance their pitching depth as they aimed for a playoff push.
However, the reality of Cobb’s impact was far from what the Guardians hoped for. Despite posting a solid 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over his three regular-season starts, Cobb’s continued injury issues limited his availability, making it difficult for the team to rely on him during a critical time. His struggles in the postseason, particularly in his outings against the Tigers and Yankees, further compounded the disappointment, as he failed to provide the expected veteran presence and stability in high-pressure situations.
Now that Cobb’s contract is set to expire, the Guardians face a tough decision regarding his future with the team. Given his age (37) and the health concerns that plagued his season, it seems unlikely that Cleveland would pursue an extension or another investment in the veteran right-hander. This trade may ultimately serve as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with relying on aging players coming off injuries, and it could barely register in the grand narrative of Cobb’s career or the Guardians’ recent history.
As the Guardians look ahead to the offseason, they’ll likely focus on finding more reliable options for their pitching staff, especially in the wake of this missed opportunity with Cobb.
2. Austin Hedges has seen the last of Cleveland
The Cleveland Guardians’ situation with veteran catcher Austin Hedges is certainly a complicated one, especially following his unfortunate comments about Emmanuel Clase that seemed to jinx the All-Star closer during the ALCS. However, beyond the off-field incidents, Hedges’ performance this season has raised significant concerns regarding his future with the organization.
While Hedges has built a reputation as a solid defensive catcher throughout his career, his offensive struggles have been alarming. Posting a .152/.203/.220 slash line in 66 regular-season games is not acceptable for a player in today’s game, particularly one in a key position like catcher. His even worse performance in the playoffs, where he managed just an .083/.214/.167 line over eight games, highlights the stark reality that his bat simply doesn’t contribute to the team’s success.
Given that the Guardians have young prospects like Bo Naylor emerging, who not only provide comparable defensive skills but also offer a much more potent offensive threat, the rationale for retaining Hedges becomes increasingly tenuous. The team should be focusing on developing younger talent and optimizing their roster for future success rather than sticking with a veteran who isn’t producing.
In summary, moving on from Hedges this offseason appears to be the most logical step for the Guardians. His experience may have value in certain contexts, but the combination of his declining offensive production and the presence of promising young players makes his return to Cleveland unlikely and unwarranted. It’s time for the Guardians to prioritize their future and invest in players who can help them compete more effectively.
1. Shane Bieber barely played in 2024 and won’t play in the Guards in 2025
The Cleveland Guardians’ situation with Shane Bieber is indeed a poignant one, reflecting the challenges faced by small-market teams in retaining star players. Bieber’s trajectory—from a Cy Young winner to a player sidelined by Tommy John surgery—highlights both his immense talent and the unfortunate realities of baseball economics.
Bieber’s impressive career statistics, including a 3.22 ERA and 1.115 WHIP over 136 appearances, make it clear why he would be highly sought after in free agency. His consistent performance is something any team would want, and it’s a bitter pill for Guardians fans to swallow knowing that his last moments in a Cleveland uniform were overshadowed by injury.
However, as you pointed out, the Guardians have historically been reluctant to invest heavily in free agency, particularly when it comes to players with significant market value. The looming reality is that teams like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, with their deep pockets, will likely outbid Cleveland for Bieber’s services. In this landscape, the Guardians’ financial constraints make it highly improbable that they will be able to retain him, even if they wanted to.
It’s a tough situation for the organization and its fans, who have watched Bieber grow into a premier pitcher. His departure will leave a noticeable gap in the rotation and a lingering sense of what could have been had he remained healthy. The Guardians will now have to pivot and focus on developing their younger arms while grappling with the disappointment of losing a franchise player.
In summary, while it’s disheartening to consider Bieber’s exit after an injury-plagued season, it aligns with the reality of the Guardians’ position as a small-market team. As they look ahead, the organization will need to find ways to adapt and build a competitive roster without one of its cornerstones, all while searching for the next wave of talent to rise through their system.
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