It’s easy to miss just how good a player development system the Cleveland Guardians have.
What’s more astounding is the team breaks several rules along the way. They stack their lineup with contact hitters who don’t strike out instead of power bats. They’ve been developing strong homegrown pitchers for over two decades.
In another example, the Guardians traded star shortstop Francisco Lindor to the Mets before the 2021 season and were already back in the playoffs last year. They lost in the ALDS to their regular playoff rivals, the New York Yankees.
And of course, Cleveland will play both New York teams this year.