Guards Ball in Full Swing: Key Cleveland Players to Watch This Season

The Guardians celebrating their season opener victory, courtesy of AP

Happy baseball season to all who celebrate! If you're looking for some fun (and maybe a little frustration, it is baseball after all!), fireworks, and the power of friendship this season, may I suggest some Guards Ball?

Small market teams, like the Cleveland Guardians, deserve more attention and recognition. And these are some players that I think deserve to be highlighted!

Guardians rookie right fielder Chase DeLauter, courtesy of MLB Photos via Getty Images

I'm not being dramatic when I say I've been waiting years to see Chase DeLauter in the majors. I went to several games last season in hopes that I would see his debut, and was surprised when it finally happened at the playoff game I attended last year! DeLauter has battled many injuries in his journey to Cleveland, and now that he's finally here, he's definitely making up for lost time! He kicked off the season with four home runs in three games, and he adds the power in the outfield that the Guardians have desperately needed.

Guardians, do the right thing and give this man a blank check! (And some bubble wrap!)

Guardians utility man David Fry, courtesy of Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

David Fry is the ultimate utility man, able to play the corner infield, outfield, and primarily catcher. He also has a great bat that led him to becoming an All-Star in 2024. Getting Tommy John surgery set Fry back and limited him for the last year and a half, but now he's fully back and can provide for the Guards wherever they need him!

I'm ready for Fry Days at the ballpark!

Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo, courtesy of Cleveland.com

When Kyle Manzardo gets going, he's on fire! He was right behind Ramírez last year on Cleveland's home run and RBI leaderboards. While he's off to a rougher start, once he settles in, he can definitely make a big impact at the plate for the Guards again.

I'm a big fan of Manzardo, so you will definitely find me at Progressive Field on May 9 for a "Manzolorian" bobblehead giveaway on the Guardians' Star Wars Night!

Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, courtesy of MLB

Steven Kwan has been a fan favorite since his debut in 2022, and I think I can speak for all Guardians fans when I say I'm so happy he's still with Cleveland! Kwan is one of the best players in the league both offensively and defensively, as he was an All-Star the past two years, earned a Gold Glove in all four of his MLB seasons, has won three Fielding Bibles for left field, and has incredible plate discipline.

Guardians third baseman José Ramírez, courtesy of AP Photo/Paul Sancya

And, of course, there's the GOAT José Ramírez, the seven-time All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger, and two-time All-MLB First Team member who chose to spend his entire career in Cleveland. Ramírez is climbing the record books and cementing himself in history. Once he takes the field in tomorrow's game, he will have played more games than any other player in Cleveland history!

Every season with José Ramírez playing baseball in Cleveland is a season I'm grateful for. I think the statue should just be built at Progressive Field now.

Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams, courtesy of The Athletic

Gavin Williams is growing into the ace role for the Guards. Once he settled in and had command last summer, he provided at least six innings of work in almost every game in the important later stretch of the season. If Williams can continue to record at least five strikeouts per outing, minimize walks, and work at least six innings, he can definitely prove to be an ace.

You can add a Williams bobblehead to your collection on June 13!

Guardians rookie starting pitcher Parker Messick, courtesy of Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Parker Messick is another Guardians rookie to keep your eye on! He only started six games last season but made an immediate and much-needed impact for the Guards with four quality starts. There was no doubt that Messick would find himself on the opening day roster in the starting rotation. In his first appearance this season, he recorded six shutout innings to hand the first loss to the reigning World Series champions.

Guardians reliever Erik Sabrowski, courtesy of Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Erik Sabrowski is a strong, solid lefty in the bullpen who takes on high leverage innings like it's nothing! He's also been exciting to watch in the setup man position for the Guards. Last season, he had 1.84 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 29.1 innings of work. Sabrowski is going to continue to be a weapon out of the Cleveland pen!

Guardians closer Cade Smith, courtesy of AP Photo/Phil Long

I cannot praise Cade Smith enough for being able to suddenly step into the closer role with such confidence and grit. It's like he was meant to be in that spot! In close games, we're lucky to have our own Superman and know he will rack up swings and misses and lead us to victory with ease.

Smith also has a bobblehead giveaway this year; head to Progressive Field on August 1 to get one!

Top Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana, courtesy of Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images

Coming soon to a major league ballpark near you is Travis Bazzana, the Guardians' top-ranked prospect. The Australian is currently just two hours away in Triple-A Columbus. Bazzana's hitting abilities will make him a great addition to Cleveland's roster. As a second baseman, he would pair well with Brayan Rocchio, who would then slide over to shortstop. Hopefully, Bazzana is in Cleveland sooner rather than later!

If you need me, I'll be at the (Guardians) game, cheering on these players and enjoying some Guards Ball!

Edited by Mithzi Silva