The Cleveland Guardians are facing significant offensive challenges as the 2024 season comes to a close, struggling to improve upon their lackluster performance from the previous year. The team made a controversial move by trading away Josh Naylor and bringing in 37-year-old Carlos Santana, raising questions about their strategy for bolstering their lineup.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Guardians are relying heavily on their young hitters to step up, particularly Kyle Manzardo. Projections from Dan Szymborski at FanGraphs suggest that Manzardo could have a breakout year, forecasting a batting line of .247/.334/.445 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs over 491 plate appearances. This would mark a considerable improvement from his previous season, where he only managed a .234 average with five home runs.

For the Guardians to alleviate the impact of Naylor's departure, Manzardo’s performance will be crucial. His potential resurgence, alongside expected contributions from star player José Ramirez and other young talents like Jhonkensy Noel, is imperative for the team's success. However, there are still concerns over the lack of additional offensive acquisitions, and time is running out before the start of the regular season.

The MLB postseason heats up as the League Championship Series continues with two key matchups. The Los Angeles Dodgers aim to extend their lead against the New York Mets, while the New York Yankees face off against the Cleveland Guardians.

The Mets find themselves in a critical Game 2, needing a win to avoid a daunting 0-2 series deficit. Lefty Sean Manaea will be tasked with leading the charge for New York.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers have opted for a unique pitching strategy, utilizing a 'Johnny Wholestaff' approach, as manager Dave Roberts plans to rotate multiple relievers throughout the game.

On the other side, the Guardians are looking for rookie Jhonkensy Noel, nicknamed 'Big Christmas,' to break out of his postseason slump against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón. The Yankees hope Rodón can improve after a shaky start in the playoffs.

The New York Yankees are set to start left-hander Carlos Rodón against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the ALCS, despite concerns over his performance and the matchup's unfavorable nature.

Rodón's previous season was marred by injuries and a high ERA, but he has shown improvement this year. The Guardians excel against left-handed pitchers, making this decision even more contentious.

Rodón aims to prove himself in this critical game, as the Yankees hope he can deliver on the potential they saw when signing him.

Kerry Carpenter's three-run homer in the ninth inning propelled the Detroit Tigers to a stunning 3-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, leveling their American League Division Series at one game each.

Detroit's ace Tarik Skubal delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven shutout innings and striking out eight. The Tigers capitalized on rare offensive opportunities against All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who had been nearly flawless all season.

With the series tied, the Tigers head to Comerica Park for Games 3 and 4, looking to continue their momentum after a strong finish to the regular season.

Kerry Carpenter's late-game heroics propelled the Detroit Tigers to a stunning 3-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, leveling their AL Division Series at one game each. Carpenter's three-run homer in the ninth off All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase marked a significant moment, as Clase had been nearly untouchable all season.

Detroit's ace Tarik Skubal shone on the mound, delivering seven shutout innings and enhancing his impressive postseason performance. The Tigers now head home for Games 3 and 4, aiming to advance further in the playoffs.