Look, I get it. If you’re searching for cleveland indians baseball news, you’re probably one of those fans who still accidentally calls the team by the old name half the time. It’s a habit. It’s been a few years since the 2022 rebrand to the Cleveland Guardians, but the soul of the team—that "Cleveland against the world" grit—hasn't changed a bit. As we head into the 2026 season, the buzz around Progressive Field is reaching a fever pitch, and it’s not just because of the new blue seats.
The team is coming off an 88-74 finish in 2025. They snatched the AL Central title, gave us some heart-attack-inducing postseason moments, and proved that you don't need a $300 million payroll to win games. But 2026? This year feels different. There’s a specific kind of tension in the air this January.
The 2026 Roster: José, Kwan, and the New Kids
It’s impossible to talk about Cleveland baseball without starting at third base. José Ramírez is the sun this solar system revolves around. He’s signed through 2028, and honestly, they should probably just start carving the statue now. But the real cleveland indians baseball news that people are whispering about isn't just José; it’s the supporting cast that’s finally catching up.
Steven Kwan is back on a one-year deal after avoiding arbitration. He’s the engine. If Kwan is hitting those pesky bloop singles and making pitchers throw 11 pitches per at-bat, the Guardians win. Simple as that. Then you have CJ Kayfus at first base, who is locked in through the end of this season. People were skeptical about the "power" in this lineup last year, and they weren't entirely wrong. Runs were a rarity at times.
The Prospect Explosion
Keep an eye on Travis Bazzana. The kid out of Oregon State moved through the system like a freight train, reaching Triple-A Columbus last year. There’s a very real chance he’s starting at second base in Cleveland before the summer heat hits.
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Then there’s Chase DeLauter. We’ve been waiting for him to stay healthy for what feels like a decade (it’s only been a few years, but you know how it is). He finally got that first big league hit in the 2025 postseason. If his frame can handle the grind of 162 games, he’s the middle-of-the-order bat this team has been missing since... well, since the name on the jersey changed.
Progressive Field’s $200 Million Facelift
If you haven't been to the corner of Carnegie and Ontario lately, you won't recognize the place. We are currently in the third and final phase of a massive $202.5 million renovation project.
The green seats? Gone. They’re being replaced with sleek blue ones in the upper deck right now.
"It’s about modernizing a classic," says the front office. Basically, they want you to spend more time in the "social districts" and less time stuck in a cramped plastic chair.
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Delaware North, the folks who handle the food, are tearing down old concession stands to build something called "The Market." It's supposed to be a more open-concept vibe. Think less "standing in a humid line for a hot dog" and more "browsing high-end local eats while still being able to see the scoreboard." This phase should be wrapped up by the home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 2, 2026.
Pitching Factory: The Franklin Gomez Trade
Cleveland does one thing better than almost anyone else: they find pitchers. On January 15, 2026, the Guardians made a move that went under the radar for most casual fans. They traded $1.5 million in international bonus pool space to the Mets for a 20-year-old left-hander named Franklin Gomez.
Why does this matter? Because while the Mets needed that cash to sign 16-year-old phenoms like Wandy Asigen, Cleveland prefers the "sure thing" (or as close as you get in baseball). Gomez is a project, but the Guardians' pitching lab has a habit of turning projects into All-Stars. They also added veterans like Shawn Armstrong and Colin Holderman this winter to shore up a bullpen that looked a little shaky toward the end of last season.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong
There’s this narrative that the Guardians are "cheap." While the payroll isn't touching the Dodgers' levels, the investment in the stadium and the long-term deal for Ramírez show a different story. The "inactivity" fans complain about in January is usually just the front office waiting for the market to crash so they can snag a value play.
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Is it frustrating? Yeah. But it’s the model.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
- February 21: Spring Training opens against the Reds in Goodyear.
- March 26: Regular season starts in Seattle.
- April 2: The Home Opener vs. the Cubs (expect the new renovations to be the star here).
The Verdict on 2026
This team is built on a foundation of elite defense and "slap-hitting" that drives opposing pitchers crazy. If the pitching staff stays healthy—especially guys like Gavin Williams and the returning Daniel Espino (who is finally, finally throwing again)—they are the favorites to repeat in the AL Central.
Don't expect a flurry of big-name signings before February. That's not how Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff roll. They believe in the guys they have. They believe in the culture Stephen Vogt has built. And honestly? After seeing them win the division last year, it's hard to bet against them.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Check your tickets early: With the stadium capacity changing due to the renovations (now around 35,000 seats), the high-demand games like the Cubs opener will sell out faster than usual.
- Follow the Columbus Clippers: Watch the box scores for Bazzana and Cooper Ingle. Their performance in April will dictate how aggressive the front office is in May.
- Update your gear: If you're still rocking the Chief Wahoo gear, that's fine for the backyard, but the team store is pushing the "Legacy Red" uniforms that the Lake County Captains just adopted. It’s a sharp look that bridges the gap between the old era and the new.