The Cleveland Guardians won 92 games and made it all the way to the American League Division Series this year, winning a playoff series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
They took their division with an 11-game cushion, and showcased their own brand of baseball to the world.
The 2022 campaign was very, very successful.
They entered the offseason with a clear goal: improving the offense.
It’s not that the Guardians’ lineup was bad: after all, they have Jose Ramirez, Andres Gimenez, Josh Naylor, Oscar Gonzalez, Steven Kwan, Amed Rosario, and other talented contributors.
But they did enter the free agency period lacking some power.
It’s safe to say that the front office and ownership recognized this and acted to improve the situation.
The Lineup Is Looking Fine
Now, after a couple of impact signings, the lineup is starting to look a lot better.
“The Guardians lineup is taking shape. Maybe something like this? L.F. Steven Kwan; 2B Andres Gimenez; 3B Jose Ramirez; DH Josh Bell; 1B Josh Naylor; RF Oscar González; HH Amed Rosario; C Mike Zunino; CF Myles Straw,” Cleveland reporter Hayden Grove tweeted.
The Guardians lineup is taking shape.
Maybe something like this?
L.F. Steven Kwan
2B Andres Gimenez
3B Jose Ramirez
DH Josh Bell
1B Josh Naylor
R.F. Oscar Gonzalez
HH Amed Rosario
C. Mike Zunino
CF Myles Straw#Guardians— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) December 13, 2022
That sounds about right, and thanks to the Josh Bell and Mike Zunino additions, it does seem like they addressed their glaring issue.
Bell doesn’t have 35-homer power but can contribute his fair share of homers and doubles; while Zunino was plagued by injuries in 2022 but did have 33 home runs in 2021.
Catching prospect Bo Naylor is also knocking on the door.
All things considered, Straw is looking like the only offensive liability, and he has so much to offer with the glove that his starting gig shouldn’t be in question.
The Guardians are, as of now, favorites to retain their AL Central title in 2023.
