As the glow of their remarkable 2024 season fades, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves at a crossroads this offseason. The young, upstart squad defied expectations by capturing the AL Central crown and pushing the mighty New York Yankees to the brink in a thrilling ALCS. But now, critical decisions loom regarding two of their brightest stars: slugging first baseman Josh Naylor and former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber.
Naylor’s Future at the Heart of the Lineup
Josh Naylor emerged as a force in 2024, anchoring the Guardians’ lineup with his prodigious power and infectious energy. The 26-year-old mashed 37 home runs while driving in 108, earning his first All-Star nod in the process. But with Naylor under club control for only one more season, the Guardians must weigh their options carefully.
According to sources close to the situation, Cleveland’s front office views Naylor as a cornerstone piece moving forward. “Our hope and expectation is that he’ll be with us on opening day next year,” team president Chris Antonetti revealed in a recent media session. The Guardians appear intent on building around their young core, with Naylor at the heart of those plans.
However, Naylor’s rising star power and limited team control could make him an enticing trade chip should the right offer materialize. The slugger’s name has swirled in rumors for months, and rival executives believe the Guardians will at least listen to proposals this winter. Dealing Naylor would be a gutsy move for a team on the rise, but it could bring back a haul of promising talent to bolster an already robust farm system.
Bieber’s Cloudy Future
While Naylor’s situation is fluid, Shane Bieber’s future in Cleveland seems far more certain—and brief. The ace right-hander, who captured the AL Cy Young Award in 2020, missed most of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Bieber, 29, is set to become a free agent this offseason and appears poised to test the open market.
Bieber’s tenure with the Guardians has been nothing short of stellar. Over parts of six seasons, he’s compiled a sparkling 62-32 record with a 3.20 ERA, establishing himself as one of the game’s elite pitchers. But with a projected price tag north of $200 million, the small-market Guardians are unlikely to engage in a bidding war for his services.
“Hopefully he will be here to continue [setting the standard] in person. But if not, his impact here will be felt for a long time.”
– Chris Antonetti on Shane Bieber’s future
Should Bieber depart, as expected, he’ll leave an immense void atop the Guardians’ rotation. The club will lean heavily on its wave of promising young arms, headlined by 2024 breakout star Tanner Bibee, to fill the void. But replacing a talent of Bieber’s caliber is a tall order, even for a pitching factory like Cleveland.
Vogt’s Impressive Debut
Amidst the swirling uncertainty, one constant from 2024 that the Guardians can bank on is manager Stephen Vogt. The rookie skipper navigated his first season with aplomb, guiding an unheralded roster to 92 wins and within three victories of the World Series. Vogt’s steadying presence and ability to connect with his players drew rave reviews across the organization.
“What he has been able to contribute as someone that’s new to the job, it’s a marvel to me. You could not expect someone who’s done what he’s done in the first year in any position and be as successful as he’s been.
– Chris Antonetti on Stephen Vogt’s managerial debut
With Vogt at the helm and a wealth of burgeoning talent in tow, the Guardians’ future remains undeniably bright. But as the offseason hot stove begins to simmer, all eyes will be on how the club navigates the looming decisions surrounding its two biggest stars. The fates of Naylor and Bieber could very well dictate the trajectory of this exciting young team for years to come.
