The 2023 major league baseball season is about to start, and this year we’re providing our first season preview of the favorite club here at Rayonsports, the Cleveland Guardians. Coming off a surprising season that saw them win the American League Central Division, knock out Tampa Bay in the wild card round and stretch the mighty New York Yankees to 5 games in the divisional round, the Guardians have high expectations in 2023. Here’s a look at what to expect from them in the upcoming campaign:
Front Office/Manager
Cleveland has had to compete with the big money clubs with a smart strategy of drafting and developing players, signing rising stars to reasonable contract extensions and scouring the free agent market for low budget players who fill needs on the roster. Under general manager Chris Antonetti they have done a great job of doing just that, with a special knack for developing young pitchers. It helps to have a veteran, winning manager in place in Terry Francona, who despite some health issues has kept the team competitive in the field.
Starting Rotation
Guardians’ ace Shane Bieber (USA Today photo)
The recent news of Triston McKenzie being lost for up to 8 weeks with an injury hurts the rotation for sure, as he was slated to be the number 2 starter behind ace Shane Bieber. It looks like the Guards will enter the 2023 campaign with the same other 3 starters as they finished 2022 with. Cal Quantrill tossed a 5 inning no-hitter in his last exhibition start, so he looks ready. Aaron Civale has been mostly dependable. Zach Plesac, the shaky fifth starter, will open the year in that role but should be on a short leash. McKenzie’s spot will likely be filled by either Xzavion Curry or Hunter Gaddis, two hurlers who made spot starts last year, or be used as “bullpen” games utilizing the new trend in baseball – the “opener”.
Relief Pitchers
Top MLB closer Emmanuel Clase
Cleveland has one major bullpen asset going for them as they enter the season. That would be the top closer in the major leagues, Emmanuel Clase. Overall, the pen is strong, although at least one of the remaining hurlers on the staff will have to fill a starter role until McKenzie is ready. Other late inning options are plentiful, and those roles will have to be sorted out as the season progresses. The candidates are Trevor Stephan, probably the best of the bunch, James Karinchak, who needs to overcome his inconsistency and nerves, Enyel De Los Santos and Eli Morgan, both of whom are effective under-the-radar options, and the new southpaw, Tim Herrin. Herrin got his opportunity to make the squad when Sam Hentges was injured, and made the most of it with an impressive spring. Even the rest of the bullpen is deep, as it is rounded out by veteran Nick Sandlin and either Curry or Gaddis.
Catchers
New Cleveland catcher Mike Zunino
The team will open the 2023 carrying 3 catchers, and surprisingly Bo Naylor isn’t one of them. Front office braintrust feels he needs more AAA development time. Free agent signee Mike Zunino, a couple of seasons removed from an All Star campaign, will be the regular backstop, with Cam Gallagher and Meibrys Veloria backing up, at least temporarily.
Infielders
MVP candidate Jose Ramirez
The anchors of the infield are perennial All Star third baseman Jose Ramirez and rising star second baseman Andres Giminez. Ramirez is the team’s best player, while Giminez flashed offensive power to go along with a Gold Glove in the field. First base will be platooned between Josh Naylor and switch-hitting free agent addition Josh Bell. The shortstop is Amed Rosario, who was the subject of trade rumors all off-season. Those rumors were a combination of his sub-par fielding (Giminez is a more natural SS) and the plethora of middle infield prospects in the organization’s pipeline. The utility infield job goes to Gabriel Arias, who can play any position and likely has a future as an every day player at some point.
Outfielders
Star 2022 rookie OF Steven Kwan
Cleveland’s outfield boasts a pair of Gold Glovers in centerfielder Miles Straw and left fielder Steven Kwan, a rookie standout last year. Kwan is also a hitting machine and an ideal leadoff batter. Straw will need to find his offensive skills again to be a major contributor at the plate, but for now is an adequate # 9 hitter. Another rookie find from 2022, Oscar Gonzalez, should be the regular right fielder and middle of the lineup batter, with the lone OF reserve, Will Brennan, also getting plenty of chances.
Prospects
Catching prospect Bo Naylor
A total of 17 new players made their debuts with Cleveland in 2022. That number should be significantly less this season, but there are a few younger players who should be ready to contribute to the big club at some point. Not all of them will advance to the majors this season, but pitchers whose organization ETA is 2023 include one who has already had a cup of coffee with big club, Cody Morris. The list of possibles/longshots for this year follows:
Daniel Espino (battling back from injury)
Tanner Bibee
Gavin Williams
Logan Allen
Joey Cantillo
Position players with a good chance of eventually being called up this season are catcher Bo Naylor, Josh’s younger brother who was actually on the club’s post-season roster last year but never saw action, outfielder George Valera and a number of stellar middle infield options that should push Rosario. They include Bryan Rocchio, Tyler Freeman, Jhonkensy Noel (who can play both IF and OF) and Jose Tena.
The organization’s future is bright, as there are plenty of other top prospects still simmering at the lower levels of the minor leagues.