ZiPS Pegs 2026 Guardians as 83-Win Club, Flagging Center Field and Lefty-Split Gaps
The projections frame a pitching-led roster whose weak spots may steer Cleveland toward midseason upgrades or a modest bullpen signing.
Overview
- FanGraphs’ Dan Szymborski released 2026 ZiPS forecasts that place Cleveland around 83 wins, near the oft-cited 85-win planning benchmark.
- The modeled lineup is serviceable but thin against left-handed pitching and lacks a clear center-field answer, with Jose Ramirez at 125 OPS+, Kyle Manzardo at 111, and Steven Kwan at 104.
- The rotation projects above average with Gavin Williams at 118 ERA+, Joey Cantillo at 117, and Tanner Bibee at 114, with organizational depth clustered near league average.
- Bullpen outcomes carry upside variance, highlighted by Cade Smith’s 156 ERA+ projection and Tim Herrin at 120, alongside several average-caliber depth options.
- Analysts point to prospect upside that could change the outlook and note the front office could wait to add during the season or sign a veteran reliever such as Jakob Junis, who projects at 114 ERA+.