The Cleveland Guardians kicked off their 2025 campaign with a nine-inning spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds, falling 6-3. Despite the loss, the game showcased promising performances, particularly from pitcher Triston McKenzie, who struck out one batter and allowed only one earned run, with a remarkable pitch strike percentage of 66.7% and an average fastball velocity of 94.2 mph.

Brayan Rocchio shone at the plate, hitting a leadoff double and ending the game with three hits, while Lane Thomas began the season with a two-run home run, filling the power void left by an injured Josh Naylor. The Guardians' spring training opens a window of optimism as they look to bounce back and build on last season's playoff successes.

The Cleveland Guardians have added left-handed pitcher John Means to their roster with a one-year contract, though he will not be available for immediate play as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Means underwent the procedure last June, marking this as his second major elbow surgery since 2022. The 31-year-old pitcher, who previously spent seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, has struggled with injuries in recent years, having started only ten games over the last three seasons.

In 2021, Means had a solid campaign, making 26 starts with a record of 6-9 and a respectable 3.62 ERA. However, his recent history has seen a significant decline in playing time. To facilitate Means' addition to the 40-man roster, the Guardians have placed David Fry on the 60-day injured list. Although Means has a club option for 2026, his immediate availability and future contributions remain uncertain.

As the MLB season approaches, teams are gearing up for another round of competition. Betting odds indicate that some teams are poised for improvement while others might struggle. The Cincinnati Reds, with an OVER win total of 78.5, are seen as underachievers from last season due to injuries and youth. They possess a promising lineup featuring Elly De La Cruz and a healthy Nick Lodolo, which could push them towards a potential playoff run.

The Cleveland Guardians, projected at OVER 82.5 wins, face skepticism yet retain a solid core, including José Ramírez and a strong pitching rotation. The Kansas City Royals are also expected to improve with their OVER total set at 83.5 after a successful 2024 season. The Milwaukee Brewers, despite some key losses, still have young stars like Jackson Chourio to keep them competitive.

Contrarily, teams like the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels may struggle, with projected UNDER totals of 53.5 and 71.5, respectively. Analysts suggest the White Sox's roster lacks impact players while the Angels rely heavily on Mike Trout's health, historically a question mark. As the season looms closer, these insights will guide bettors in making informed decisions on team futures.

As the Cleveland Guardians gear up for the Cactus League, the spring training predictions suggest some promising developments. Angel Martinez is in line to secure the second base position, leveraging his past big-league experience and strong batting performance in spring training. Joey Cantillo is expected to impress in his bid for a spot in the rotation, especially if he can refine his fastball to complement his excellent curveball. Additionally, Johnathan Rodriguez, despite a rocky start, is generating buzz for perhaps forcing tough roster decisions with his strong minor league performance.

Carlos Santana returns to the Cleveland Guardians for a third time, marking a nostalgic reunion as he signs a one-year deal in MLB free agency. Santana, who originally joined the Guardians in 2010, will experience a special Opening Day on April 8, coinciding with his 39th birthday. Known for his impressive tenure with Cleveland, Santana boasts career stats that include a .251 batting average, 216 home runs, and an All-Star selection in 2019. Having played for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, he is eager to showcase his skills once again at Progressive Field, where he spent a significant portion of his career.