So, you’re looking for the Cleveland Guardians game score? Here is the short, somewhat annoying truth: it’s mid-January. If you check the box score right now, you’re going to see a lot of zeros.
Basically, there is no game today. We are currently sitting in that weird, quiet pocket of the MLB calendar where the only "scoring" happening is in the front office and during arbitration hearings. The Guardians haven't touched a competitive diamond since their 2025 postseason run ended at the hands of the Detroit Tigers. If you're itching for a real number, the last meaningful score on the books was that 6-3 loss to Detroit on October 2, 2025.
It's a long winter in Cleveland.
When does the Cleveland Guardians game score actually matter again?
Mark your calendars for February 21, 2026. That’s when the Guardians open up Cactus League play against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, Arizona. Until then, the "score" is really just about who is staying and who is going.
Honestly, the biggest numbers out of Cleveland lately haven't been runs or hits; they’ve been dollar signs. Steven Kwan just settled on a $7.725 million deal to avoid arbitration. That’s a massive win for the clubhouse, even if Kwan’s .704 OPS last year was a bit of a career low. He’s still the heartbeat of that outfield.
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Then you’ve got the international signing period. Just this past Thursday, the Guardians went on a spree, signing 22 international prospects. The headliner? Svert Reinoso, a shortstop from the Dominican Republic who snagged an $820,000 bonus.
The 2026 Schedule: A Brutal Start
If you think the offseason is slow, just wait for the start of the regular season. The Guardians open up on March 26 in Seattle. It’s a late-night 10:10 PM ET start for those of us back in Ohio.
The schedule makers didn't do Stephen Vogt any favors. After four games in Seattle, the team flies straight to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers. You know, the team that just signed Kyle Tucker to a $240 million deal? Yeah, that’s a tough way to start the year.
- Opening Night: March 26 @ Seattle Mariners
- Home Opener: April 3 vs. Chicago Cubs
- Rivalry Weekend: May 15-17 vs. Cincinnati Reds
Why the experts are "pouring cold water" on Cleveland
There’s a lot of chatter right now about whether this team can repeat as AL Central champs. Last year was... weird. Cleveland trailed the Tigers by over 15 games at one point before a historic September surge.
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Most analysts, including Will Leitch over at MLB.com, are ranking the Guardians as the least likely division winner to repeat in 2026. Why? Because the front office hasn't exactly been aggressive. While the Dodgers and Phillies are out there spending like they found a cheat code, the Guardians are sitting with a projected payroll that is about $24 million lower than it was last year.
It’s the classic Cleveland conundrum. Small market, small payroll, big expectations.
Players to Watch (Who actually might change the score)
- Travis Bazzana: The 2024 first-overall pick. He finished last year in Triple-A Columbus. He’s got the "it" factor, but he’s also striking out about 24% of the time. If he makes the roster out of camp, he's the guy who could provide the offensive spark this lineup desperately needs.
- David Fry: Remember that nasty HBP to the face in September? He’s healthy now. Vogt says he won't be limited to DH duties this year. Having him back as a catching option and a corner utility guy is huge.
- Chase DeLauter: Injuries have been his shadow, but the talent is undeniable. He got his first postseason hit last year. If he stays on the field, the Cleveland Guardians game score is going to look a lot healthier.
Is there reason for optimism?
Kinda. The AL Central is always a bit of a mess. The Tigers are the "wolves at the door," and the Royals are sneaky good, but Cleveland still has José Ramírez. As long as J-Ram is at third base, you have a chance to win any given series.
The bullpen is still a top-5 unit in the league. Last year, the team ranked 4th in the MLB with a 3.70 ERA. That’s how they win. They don’t out-slug you; they out-pitch you and play clean defense.
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If you’re looking for a final score today, you won’t find it. But you can look at the "Scoreboard of the Offseason." Right now, Cleveland is playing a dangerous game of "status quo" while the rest of the division gets better.
Actionable Steps for Guardians Fans
- Set your alerts for February 21: That's the first Spring Training game.
- Watch the waiver wire: The Guardians have an open roster spot and about $20 million in "projected" room if they actually want to spend it.
- Track Travis Bazzana: His Spring Training stats will determine if he’s in Cleveland on Opening Day or starting the year in Columbus.
The next time you search for a Cleveland Guardians game score, it’ll hopefully be attached to a box score featuring a J-Ram home run and a Clase save. Until then, we wait.
Check back in March when the games actually start counting toward the standings. For now, the focus is on Goodyear and making sure this roster is deep enough to survive another 162-game grind.