Stats Show How Guardians Defied All The Expectations

The Cleveland Guardians secured their third consecutive AL Central title and reached the postseason in 2026 despite a down year from star third baseman Jose Ramirez. Ramirez suffered a hamate bone injury on June 13 that required surgery and sidelined him for five weeks, ultimately concluding the season with a .235 batting average and a 92 wRC+.

Cleveland overcame Ramirez finishing eighth on the roster in fWAR thanks to contributions from young players and rookies. Key contributors who outpaced Ramirez's 2.3 fWAR included Parker Messick, Steven Kwan, Brayan Rocchio, Chase DeLauter, Gavin Williams, Travis Bazzana, and Cade Smith.