The Cleveland Guardians enter their March 29, 2025, matchup against the Kansas City Royals with high expectations and confidence following a successful 2024 campaign in which they captured the American League Central division crown with a 92-69 record, combining one of the league’s best pitching staffs with a fundamentally sound, contact-oriented offense. Under the steady leadership of manager Stephen Vogt, the Guardians have carved out a clear identity built around elite defense, disciplined at-bats, and dominant pitching, all of which contributed to their return to the postseason after falling short the year prior. At the heart of Cleveland’s offense remains superstar third baseman José Ramírez, who once again put together a complete season in 2024, slashing .287/.360/.505 with 31 home runs, 105 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases while continuing to play Gold Glove-caliber defense at the hot corner. Surrounding him in the lineup are contact hitters like Steven Kwan, who posted a .291 average with a league-low strikeout rate, and Andrés Giménez, whose ability to drive the ball into gaps and steal bases gives Cleveland a dangerous middle infield duo. Veteran Carlos Santana returns to Cleveland for a final run and adds a valuable switch-hitting presence and veteran leadership to a young clubhouse, while catcher Bo Naylor’s development into a consistent power threat from the left side provides offensive balance. Cleveland’s lineup doesn’t overwhelm with home run totals, but it excels at working deep counts, putting the ball in play, and forcing opposing pitchers to grind through innings.

On the mound, the Guardians feature one of the most exciting young rotations in baseball, led by right-hander Tanner Bibee, who is expected to get the start against Kansas City after a breakout 2024 campaign in which he posted a 12-8 record with a 3.47 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 172 innings. Bibee’s command of four pitches and poise under pressure make him a formidable Opening Series option, and he’s followed in the rotation by talented arms like Gavin Williams and Triston McKenzie, giving Cleveland the rare advantage of both youth and upside in their starting staff. The bullpen remains a major strength, anchored by flame-throwing closer Emmanuel Clase, who recorded 39 saves in 2024 and was a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award. Set-up men Trevor Stephan and Sam Hentges provide power from both sides of the mound, giving Vogt multiple late-inning options against any type of lineup. The Guardians’ defense, particularly on the infield, remains among the best in baseball, with Ramírez, Giménez, and first baseman Josh Naylor consistently converting difficult plays into outs. While Cleveland struggled against the Royals last season, winning just five of thirteen matchups, the Guardians view this as a chance to immediately reassert themselves within the division and make an early statement. With a combination of elite pitching, balanced offensive production, and one of the deepest farm systems in the league, Cleveland has built a sustainable contender that plans to remain atop the AL Central, and a strong performance on the road in Kansas City would reinforce that they are once again the team to beat.