5 players who helped carry the Cleveland Guardians in the first half

The Cleveland Guardians are in the playoff hunt thanks in part to these five players.

The Cleveland Guardians are a team that doesn’t rebuild but reloads, and that’s been no truer than in 2022. A team that, besides Jose Ramirez and Shane Beiber, was devoid of major names on the roster heading into the season, is now bolstering an additional two All-Stars.

One of whom, Emmanuel Clase, had an All-Star Game to remember. Yet, we’re only talking about five players because we have only so much time, to gush about so many players. So rest assured, if there was a sixth spot on this list, it’d go to Clase.

The rest of the names on this list have shown up and shown out, and while some of them may not be among the league leaders in key categories, they are showing that they will be big parts of this team for years to come.

Five players who have helped carry the 2022 Cleveland Guardians

Triston McKenzie

Triston McKenzie has become one of my favorite players to watch (or listen to Tom Hamilton call the game of), as his big arm has made him an electric pitcher. The soon-to-be 25-year-old is having his best season yet with a 3.20 ERA, and 96 strikeouts on the year, against only 27 walks. Last year, in just 19 more innings, he had 58 walks and only 136 strikeouts.

His walk-to-inning ratio will be much better, and his total strikeouts should be much higher. His loan issue is that he will have more home runs given up this year than last and that seems to be his only issue as a starter.

Cal Quantrill

He’s having a down year compared to last year, but a 3.75 ERA is nothing to sneeze at. While guys like Shane Bieber have taken a while to return to form and Zach Plesac is as inconsistent as they come (let’s not about the other starters), Cal Quantrill and McKenzie have been the most consistent pitchers every start. Quantrill lack’s McKenzie’s or Bieber’s big arms but he’s accurate and reliable. That’s enough for me.

Jose Ramirez

In typical Cleveland fashion, Jose Ramirez started off the season destroying every club record in a matter of games, but a thumb injury hurt his production. Now, Ramirez seems to be healed up and back to form, hitting .288 on the year with 19 home runs and a staggering 75 RBIs. The 200 RBI mark is no longer a realistic option but Ramirez may get close to the franchise record.

Josh Naylor

Josh Naylor has really proven himself this year as a sure-swinging first baseman with power. He can still play in the outfield, and while he’s played most of the season at first (45) compared to the outfield (5), having that type of versatility will only help keep him in the lineup getting at-bats while providing other opportunities for a variety of talent around him.

Steven Kwan

Steven Kwan may finish just his second season in years below a .300 batting average but Kwan has proven himself to be a reliable player for the Guardians and has really impressed with his OBP and ability to hit at the top of the order.