Guardians sit 73-70, three games back of Seattle for the AL Wild Card, shifting focus to the offseason. Cleveland targets Cedric Mullins to anchor the lineup around Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo, hoping for a rebound in power and on-base skills. Bleacher Report envisions Mullins as the 6th hitter in a 2026 Opening Day setup that also features Travis Bazzana and Steven Kwan atop Ramirez and Manzardo, creating a deeper, more dynamic order. Mullins’ 2025 power streaks and speed could pay off if his bat returns, but the cost must match the upside.

Beside Mullins, the Guardians anticipate a youth infusion with Bazzana in the mix, while Manzardo and Kwan form a formidable top four that should drive offense. The bottom of the order will decide Cleveland’s fate, as Mullins must provide enough pop and consistency to validate a signing. In short, Cleveland bets on offense to finally translate Ramirez’s peak years into a playoff chase.