Cleveland Guardians Rank Low in Early 2026 MLB Power Rankings
The World Series has just wrapped up, and now the spotlight shifts to the upcoming MLB season. With the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging victorious against the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling seven-game showdown, attention turns to free agency and team rankings. However, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves in a surprising position in the early 2026 power rankings.
Guardians at Number 16
As teams prepare for the winter meetings, ESPN released its “Way-too-early 2026 Power Rankings,” and the Guardians have been notably overlooked, landing at a disappointing 16th place. This ranking raises eyebrows, especially considering the team’s recent success in the AL Central.
The Guardians clinched the division title last season and have positioned themselves as consistent contenders for playoff berths. Their pitching staff is formidable, featuring talents such as Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen, and Gavin Williams. Complementing this is a bullpen that ranked among the best in the league, even amidst the turmoil surrounding Cy Young candidate Emmanuel Clase.
Offensive Concerns and Emerging Talent
While the Guardians’ offense has faced scrutiny, the potential for improvement is on the horizon. A few promising young players are poised to make their mark in the upcoming season. Keep an eye on Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter, who are expected to play significant roles. Bazzana, in particular, has shown promise with a solid performance, and fans are eager to see how these newcomers will contribute to the Guardians’ lineup.
Looking Ahead
As the Guardians navigate the offseason, the low ranking may serve as motivation for the team. With a strong core of players and emerging talents, there is plenty of reason to believe that the Guardians could defy expectations and position themselves for another successful season.
Despite the current skepticism, the Guardians remain a team to watch as they prepare to build on their recent achievements. With the right moves in free agency and continued development of their young stars, Cleveland could soon find themselves climbing back up the power rankings, proving that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.
