The Cleveland Guardians started their season on Monday April 8, 2024. They held first place spot in the American League, with a record of 92 wins and 69 losses.
In the American League Central Division, the second place team, the Kansas City Royals, were six and a half games behind the Guardians. The Guardians have had the third best home record in the MLB this 2024 season. With one of the best records in the American League, this earned them a bye in the first round of the playoffs. First year manager, Stephen Vogt, was impactful in helping the Guards have success this year.
Players such as Steven Kwan, who is one of their best hitters, and Jose Ramirez, who has significantly been one of the best baseball players this season overall, have had a very big impact on the Guardians and their success. Kwan had 14 home runs. His season batting average was .292. Ramirez had the most homeruns on the team being 39, and a batting average of .279. Other top hitters for the team were Will Brennan, and David Fry. Some of the top pitchers this season were Tanner Bibee, Kade Smith, and the closer Emmanuel Clase.
Along with good defensive plays from Kwan and Ramirez, second baseman Andres Gimenez has played tremendously in the field. Bleacher Reports has named Gimenez the best fielder in baseball for the 2024 season. He has saved many runs this season with his great defensive play. Him, as well as Steven Kwan, have both won back to back Golden Glove awards due to their hard work on the field.
Many people doubted the Guardians because their salary was significantly lower compared to other MLB teams. The Guards payroll is roughly $106.4 million and ranked 23rd in the MLB, while teams like the New York Yankees have a $306 million payroll and are ranked 2nd place in the MLB.
After beating the Detroit Tigers in the division series, they have moved onto the American League championship series. They were playing the New York Yankees but unfortunately fell short, and the Yankees took the win to move onto the World Series championship.
Even though the Guardians did not make it to the World Series, they have had a great season with unwavering support from the fans.
