As 2024 wraps up, a retrospective on the Cleveland Guardians' performance reveals a year marked by significant achievements and challenges. Graded a 'B' by Bleacher Report, the Guardians experienced a mostly positive year, highlighted by a remarkable 16-game improvement in their win total from the previous season. Despite winning 92 games in 2022, the team struggled to establish itself as a true contender, largely due to inconsistent starting pitching.
The Guardians' success can be attributed to standout players like José Ramírez, who had a career year, nearing the prestigious 40-40 club. Additionally, Stephen Vogt made headlines as the first rookie manager to win Manager of the Year since 2019. The franchise also celebrated its best start to a season in history, surpassing some of its legendary teams from the 1990s.
However, the season was not without its issues. The team faced criticism for recent trades involving players like Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among fans regarding the team's direction. Despite these concerns, the Guardians reached the ALCS for the first time in eight years, marking a significant milestone. While the season had its ups and downs, it ultimately represented a memorable chapter in the franchise's history.