The Cleveland Guardians head into their March 30, 2025 matchup against the Kansas City Royals with confidence and the clear intention of defending their American League Central crown. After finishing the 2024 season at 92-69, Cleveland clinched the division thanks to elite pitching, timely hitting, and consistent execution across the board. Despite stumbling against the Royals last season—dropping eight of 13 head-to-head matchups—the Guardians remain one of the most balanced teams in the American League, known for their methodical approach, fundamental discipline, and ability to win tight games. With manager Stephen Vogt now in his second year and a roster built to withstand the long grind of the season, Cleveland is determined to start the 2025 campaign strong and make an early statement against their closest divisional threat. Leading the charge for the Guardians is perennial All-Star José Ramírez, who continues to anchor the middle of the lineup with his trademark combination of power, speed, and clutch hitting. In 2024, Ramírez slashed .279/.352/.524 with 36 home runs, 118 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases, reaffirming his status as one of the most complete players in the game. He remains the heartbeat of the offense, providing stability and leadership both on and off the field. Around him, the Guardians have constructed a contact-heavy lineup that includes Steven Kwan—one of the league’s best leadoff hitters—alongside Andrés Giménez, Bo Naylor, and the newly reacquired Carlos Santana. Santana returns to Cleveland for another stint, bringing veteran presence and an elite eye at the plate, which fits perfectly with the Guardians’ patient, small-ball style. Cleveland’s pitching staff is their most lethal weapon.

In 2024, the Guardians posted a team ERA of 3.86, third-best in Major League Baseball. Though ace Shane Bieber was traded during the offseason in a cost-cutting move, the front office remains confident in the rotation’s depth. For Sunday’s finale, right-hander Gavin Williams is expected to take the mound. While his rookie season had some growing pains—finishing with a 3-10 record—his underlying numbers were more promising. Williams features a mid-90s fastball, sharp breaking ball, and improving command, and the Guardians expect him to take a leap forward this year. Behind him, the bullpen remains elite, led by closer Emmanuel Clase, who recorded 44 saves last season with a 1.94 ERA. Setup men Trevor Stephan, Sam Hentges, and Eli Morgan provide quality depth and give Cleveland the ability to shorten games with a lights-out back end. Defensively, the Guardians are among the best in the league, especially up the middle. Giménez and Amed Rosario form a slick double-play combo, while Kwan is one of the best defensive left fielders in baseball. The team’s ability to prevent runs is further amplified by their low strikeout offense and commitment to situational baseball, which often wears down opposing pitchers and applies constant pressure on the basepaths. While they were bested by the Royals last year, Cleveland believes their roster has improved in both power and depth. With a deeper bench and more experience across the roster, the Guardians are positioned not just to repeat as division champions, but to make a deeper playoff run. A win over Kansas City to close out this series would serve as a powerful early message: Cleveland isn’t going anywhere.