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Stephen Vogt’s Gavin Williams decision could reverberate throughout long, cold winter for Guardians fans

The Guardians' decision to hold Gavin Williams for Game 7 of the ALCS could reverberate throughout the winter.

By Henry Palattella · Away Back Gone

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 8:53 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Henry Palattella argues Stephen Vogt erred by holding Gavin Williams for a Game 7 that never occurred.
Gavin Williams made only one appearance during Cleveland's six-game ALCS elimination.
Cleveland surrendered 17 runs over their final three postseason games while leaning on bullpen games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Away Back Gone's Henry Palattella criticizes Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt for keeping ace pitcher Gavin Williams sidelined for an unplayed Game 7. The Guardians were eliminated in six games in the ALCS, with Williams making only a single appearance throughout the series despite dominating earlier in the postseason.

Palattella argues that Cleveland relied too heavily on struggling bullpen games while surrendering 17 runs across their final three games. Despite the disappointing playoff exit, Williams completed an impressive regular season leading the American League with 248 strikeouts and is expected to anchor the rotation in 2027.

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