After a surprising playoff run, the Guardians are under intense pressure to address overlooked roster gaps that could make or break their title hopes next season.NL

The Cleveland Guardians pulled off one of the more improbable playoff pushes last season. After a brutal June that saw them win just nine games, they flipped the switch in the second half and surged into the postseason picture. It was the kind of turnaround that reminded fans why baseball’s 162-game grind always leaves room for redemption.

But now comes the hard part: sustaining that momentum.

As the Guardians head into the offseason, there are clear areas of the roster that need attention. Outfield, starting pitching, and first base stand out as the biggest priorities – not just for depth, but for impact. The front office has decisions to make, and how they approach these needs could shape the trajectory of the 2026 season.

Outfield: Betting Big on Youth – But Is That Enough?

Cleveland’s outfield situation is a fascinating mix of promise and uncertainty. George Valera and Chase DeLauter both made their MLB debuts in September, and the current plan appears to be giving them starting roles in right and center field, respectively. That’s a bold move – and potentially a necessary one – given how little production the Guardians got from those positions in 2025.

Valera and DeLauter are high-ceiling players, no doubt. But they also come with question marks.

Both have battled injuries throughout their young careers, and expecting them to carry the load for a full season right out of the gate is asking a lot. The Guardians may be willing to let them grow on the job, but bringing in a veteran outfielder as a safety net feels like a smart insurance policy, especially for a team that wants to compete right away.

Starting Rotation: Young Arms, Big Stakes

Cleveland has long been known for developing pitching, and that reputation will be put to the test again this spring. Joey Cantillo and Parker Messick are two names to watch – both left-handers with potential, both likely to see increased roles in 2026. If they hit the ground running, the Guardians could have another wave of homegrown arms to lean on.

But that’s a big “if.” There’s no denying the upside, but relying heavily on unproven arms in a rotation that needs to eat innings and keep the team in games is a risk. A veteran starter – even someone on a short-term deal – could help stabilize things and give the young guns time to develop without the pressure of carrying the load from Day 1.

First Base: The C.J. Kayfus Experiment

Then there’s first base, where the Guardians seem ready to hand more responsibility to C.J. Kayfus.

The former college standout has shown flashes of potential, and the organization clearly believes in his bat. But like Valera and DeLauter, he’s untested at the big-league level.

First base has been a revolving door for Cleveland in recent years, and it remains one of the few positions where a power bat could truly change the lineup’s dynamic. If Kayfus can handle the job, it’s a win for the team’s long-term plans. But if he struggles, the Guardians could find themselves scrambling to plug another hole.

The Star Power Gap

Perhaps the biggest concern heading into the offseason isn’t any one position – it’s the lack of established star power behind José Ramírez and Steven Kwan. Ramírez remains the heart and soul of the team, and Kwan continues to be one of the most consistent contact hitters in the game. But beyond that duo, the Guardians are hoping that someone – maybe Valera, maybe DeLauter, maybe even Kayfus – can step up and become that next marquee name.

There’s also the looming possibility that Kwan could be moved in a trade, which would only deepen the need for another offensive anchor. The Guardians have talent, no question – but talent alone doesn’t win in October.

Experience, depth, and star power matter. And right now, Cleveland is still searching for that third pillar to support Ramírez and Kwan (if he stays).

The Bottom Line

The Guardians are at a crossroads. They’ve got one of the youngest, most intriguing rosters in the league, but they’re also flirting with a dangerous game: relying too heavily on potential.

Betting on youth can pay off in a big way – it’s how Cleveland made the playoffs last season. But doubling down without adding veteran reinforcements could leave them playing from behind again in 2026.

This offseason is critical. Whether it’s shoring up the outfield, adding a steady arm to the rotation, or finding a proven bat at first, the Guardians have a chance to turn last year’s surprise run into something more sustainable. But they’ll need to be aggressive – and maybe a little bold – to make it happen.