The Cleveland Guardians have maintained a strong roster despite the departure of some former All-Stars, primarily through the talent of Steven Kwan. Ranked as the eighth-best left fielder by MLB Network, Kwan posted a .292/.368/.425 slash line in the 2024 season, alongside a career-high 14 home runs. His performance, however, was somewhat impacted by a back injury in the latter half of the season. Kwan’s playoff performance reaffirmed his elite bat-to-ball skills.

Defensively, Kwan has proven himself exceptional, winning a Gold Glove in each of his first three seasons. His metrics place him in the 85th percentile for outs above average and the 99th percentile for arm value. Given Kwan's consistency and all-around abilities, his lower ranking compared to names like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich raises eyebrows. He was noted as having been the second-best hitter at one point last season, trailing only Aaron Judge, and is still the second-best contact hitter behind Luis Arraez. The eighth-place ranking may serve as motivation for Kwan as he heads into the 2025 season, aiming to prove he is among the best in the league.

The Cleveland Guardians faced significant changes this offseason with fan-favorites Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor departing, raising questions about the team's future. As they navigate the roster, one analyst, Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report, warns that the Guardians' signing of Paul Sewald could backfire as soon as 2025, potentially upsetting the delicate balance within their bullpen. Miller points out that Sewald's projected salary might disrupt the chemistry among established relievers, particularly closer Emmanuel Clase. The Guardians risk undermining the success of Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin, who flourished last season with sub-2.00 ERAs.

Miller's concerns revolve around how Sewald's presence might force a reallocation of innings, either displacing deserving relievers or assigning Sewald to a less impactful role after a costly investment. However, he acknowledges that the Guardians might be adding Sewald to alleviate the burden on an already taxed bullpen, which ranked fourth in the American League for innings pitched. This acquisition is seen not as a replacement for existing talent but rather as a strategic move to bolster a fatigued pitching staff.

The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to showcase a new wave of talent, with several players poised to earn their first All-Star selections. Among those who made a significant impact in 2024, players like Alec Bohm, Gunnar Henderson, and Steven Kwan have already set the stage, but many others are ready to join them.

This article highlights 15 players with strong potential for All-Star recognition in 2025. Some notable names include Willy Adames, who has been a consistent performer for the San Francisco Giants, and Tanner Bibee, an emerging ace for the Cleveland Guardians. Both players have shown remarkable skill and resilience over the past seasons, making them prime candidates.

Other young talents like Jackson Chourio and Yainer Diaz are also mentioned, showcasing the depth of talent across the league. Each player has demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level, and if they maintain their momentum, they could very well find themselves among the All-Stars this summer.

The Cleveland Guardians began the 2024 season with impressive hitting but have seen a decline as the season progresses. Despite this, ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle ranked them as the ninth-best offense, citing their low strikeout rate and balanced lineup.

With a young core that includes players like Jose Ramirez, the Guardians are expected to improve. However, they need to enhance their lineup, especially to fill the gap left by David Fry's absence. The front office is urged to consider adding more bats before the season starts.

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant trade, acquiring three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians. In exchange, the Blue Jays sent first baseman Spencer Horwitz and Minor League outfielder Nick Mitchell to the Guardians.

This move aims to bolster the Blue Jays' defense and speed on the bases, as Giménez brings elite defensive skills and baserunning potential. However, his fantasy value may not see a substantial increase due to a similar batting order position.

For the Guardians, the trade opens up financial flexibility and paves the way for young talent like Travis Bazzana, while also allowing Spencer Horwitz a chance to earn a starting role. The impact of this trade on both teams' playoff aspirations and the fantasy landscape will be closely analyzed.