Final season, the Cleveland Guardians had been pushed to the postseason by wonderful pitching and a middling offense. This season, their hunt for a spot within the postseason is falling just a bit quick because of middling pitching and a depressing offense. You’ll be able to see the comparability beneath:
12 months
File
ERA
OPS (SLG + OBP)
2024
92-69 (First place in AL Central)
3.61 (third)
.702 (T-Seventeenth)
2025
51-51 (Second place)
3.92 (sixteenth)
.670 (twenty eighth)
Surprisingly sufficient, with a 51-51 document and simply three video games again within the AL wild-card after their loss on Thursday, the Guardians aren’t utterly out of the race simply but, though their 21-37 document towards groups above .500 is discouraging. On the commerce deadline, the Guardians will look to shore up their offensive sinkhole. However who available on the market might reverse their misfortunes?
Think about a lineup that includes Steven Kwan, José Ramírez and Miami Marlins left-handed slugger, Kyle Stowers, hitting in direction of the highest of the order. If the Guardians’ awful numbers this season can maintain them at .500, Stowers’ bat might put them excessive.
After scuffling by way of his first few years with the Baltimore Orioles, Stowers discovered himself traded to the Marlins in 2024. This yr, Stowers has damaged out epically, hitting .295/.373/.566 with 22 residence runs. Although he strikes out loads (104 Ks this season), his exceptional numbers are a results of strong metrics.
In accordance with Baseball Savant, Stowers ranks within the elite ninetieth percentile in barrels share, hard-hit share and bat velocity. With the Marlins out of the postseason race this yr, Stowers has turn out to be their most useful commerce chip.
Having performed a number of video games in any respect three outfield positions this season, Stowers might match wherever on Cleveland’s outfield turf, although left discipline is reserved for Kwan. Given his immense success this yr, there isn’t a lot of a query that he would enormously enhance the Guardians’ lackluster lineup. His numbers are on par with these of Ramírez. However the query of whether or not his addition alone can ship the crew again to the postseason is debatable.
Behind Kwan, Ramírez and Stowers (on this hypothetical scenario), the Guardians’ lineup would nonetheless lack the firepower to compete with the staunch heavyweights of the American League. Nevertheless, Stowers doesn’t have to be the fix-all resolution for the Guardians this season.
The Guardians’ key producers — Kwan, Ramírez and Clase — are all signed by way of a minimum of 2027. Stowers is below contract by way of 2029, giving the Guardians a while to construct a aggressive crew, particularly with infielder Travis Bazzana ready within the wings. Whether or not or not his contributions are sufficient to hold the Guardians this yr, including Stowers might be simply an enormous victory for Cleveland quickly.
