The Cleveland Guardians should not go into 2023 as a “sleeper”

The Cleveland Guardians are no longer a sleeper.

The Cleveland Guardians surprised everyone in 2022 when they leaned hard on rookies to help produce runs and get them back to the playoffs after a down year in 2021. The team reloaded pretty well all things considered, as trades involving Mike Clevinger, Corey Kluber, and Francisco Lindor started to pay huge dividends for the team.

They got into the playoffs and nearly took out the New York Yankees and AL MVP Aaron Judge in the second round. The team lost the series, in part due to a lack of power hitting, and went out in the offseason and got Mike Zunino and Josh Bell, a power-hitting catcher and first basemen, to help the lineup’s lack of deep ball pop.

With young potential stars like Steven Kwan and Oscar Gonzales, one of the best rotations and bullpens in the game, stars like Jose Ramirez and Shane Bieber, and a farm system that rivals anyone’s, it’s time to admit the Guardians aren’t sleepers to contend.

The Cleveland Guardians should be a real title contender

The Guardians were called sleepers by The Wrightway Sports Network (TWSN), and while we’re glad they’re getting good press, it’s worth pointing out that the team is anything but a sleeper. They’re a  bonafide contender, with the power and pitching needed to win the AL Central for a second-straight season.

Could things go sideways? Sure, it’s always possible but if all thing stays even and consistent, this team is going back to the playoffs with another AL Central title to their credit. Anything but a deep run to the American League Championship Series or beyond would be a bit of a letdown, as the team has the talent needed to get there or further.