Perhaps a new name can change the team’s luck. We’re about to find out, as Cleveland will play its first season under the “Guardians” moniker.
The then-Indians finished 80-82 last year, but, in addition to the name on the front, the names on the back are different as the team lost many players from last year. They did sign star 29-year-old Jose Ramirez—36 homers and 27 stolen bases last year—to an extension, though. The changes amount to a 77-85 projected record and 15% playoff odds.
If Shane Bieber can find his old form and Triston McKenzie continues how he ended last season, and Emmanuel Clase stays the best closer you’ve never heard of, the team can surpass those projections.
Aside from Ramirez and Franmil Reyes, Cleveland doesn’t have much offensive power. Young players like Amed Rosario and Bobby Bradley, among others, need to step up if the Guardians want to play in October.
The Guardians opened the season on April 7 in Kansas City for four games, then head to Cincinnati for two, and opened the home slate with three against the Giants and four against the White Sox. They’ll open the second half of the season against those same White Sox in Chicago and close out the campaign with five against the Royals—including three make-up games from the lockout—concluding on October 5.
