Are the 2022 Cleveland Guardians Playoff Sleepers?
The Cleveland Guardians became the sixth team in MLB to clinch a spot in the playoffs following their sweep of the Rangers last weekend. The Guardians have been one of the hottest teams in baseball of late and have completed their hot streak with an AL Central title. Not many expected them to be at the top of the division at the end of the season. Even fewer expect them to make noise in the playoffs. However, the Guardians have an ability to win key games and may be poised to be a sleeper in this year’s playoffs.
As the youngest team in baseball, the Guardians had fairly low expectations coming into the 2022 season. Many predicted them to finish at or towards the bottom of the AL Central in preseason rankings. As of Sept. 28, Cleveland sits with an impressive 86-68 record.
The Guardians’ playoff roster is stacked with talent in 2022, including a trio of All-Stars in second baseman Andrés Giménez, third baseman Jose Ramirez and closer Emmanuel Clase. That is not to mention their starting rotation featuring 2020 Cy Young Award-winning ace, Shane Bieber.
Ramirez, a perennial MVP candidate, has led the Guardians offensively this season. In his 10th campaign, Ramirez is batting .275 with 28 homers and 117 RBIs. Cleveland has received offensive production from many others as well, including Gimenez, rookie Steven Kwan, Oscar Gonzalez, Amed Rosario and Josh Naylor. The team’s starting pitching has gotten the job done too, notably Bieber who boasts a 12-8 record with a 2.81 ERA.
There are a few factors that make the Guardians playoff sleepers.
Cleveland’s playoff matchup possibilities
Starting with their opening round matchup, Cleveland will most likely play one of three teams: the Blue Jays, the Rays or the Mariners. Aside from having slight trouble with Seattle, the Guardians have commanded multiple series against Tampa Bay and Toronto.
The Guardians’ pitching dominance
In a three-game series to start the postseason, the Guardians would most likely use Bieber, Triston McKenzie, and Cal Quantrill (if necessary) as their pitching core. The three have proven themselves tough against the majority of the majors this year, holding a combined 37 wins between them. If things were to go how they have been for the season thus far, the Guardians could have an impressive first round win.
Many have made the argument that the AL Central is easily the worst division in baseball. While this is true from a record standpoint, the Guardians have proven to be the one bright spot in the division. Many may also make the point that the Guardians cannot succeed in later rounds of the playoffs against powerhouse teams like the Astros or Yankees. Despite the Guardians beginning the season 0-10 against teams over .500, they now have a winning record over teams in that category.
The Guardians must be a team on everyone’s radar this postseason. They have the talent to make some noise come October. Not only were they an underdog to win the division, but now the Guardians are playoff sleepers as well.
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