Despite a name change to the “Guardians”, Cleveland’s baseball team continues its tradition of frugality. While teams like the Rangers and Mets have gone on spending sprees this off-season, the Guardians have signed just one Major League free agent - backup catcher Luke Maile, and are projected to have the third-lowest payroll in baseball at just over $50 million. It’s a team that still has a few top performing players, but has little proven depth and will have to depend on the farm system to continue to produce players, particularly on the pitching side.
Cleveland Guardians
2021 record: 80-82, second place, 13 games back
2022 PECOTA projection: 78-84
ZIPS projection: 77-85
Manager: Terry Francona
Key additions: Luke Maile
Key losses: J.