The Cleveland Guardians enter a crucial offseason following their ALCS exit after losing Game 6 to the Tampa Bay Rays (TB 7, CLE 3). As the three-time defending AL Central champions, they confront significant uncertainties regarding several core players.

Key Offseason Questions

1. Is José Ramírez still a star?
   This past season, José Ramírez became the franchise leader in games played (1,734) but had a disappointing performance, posting a batting line of .235/.320/.368. After suffering a hamate bone fracture on June 13, his production dropped significantly post-recovery, raising concerns about his future contributions and the financial implications of his $175 million extension.

   • Average exit velocity:
     • Before injury: 90.3 mph
     • After injury: 86.5 mph

   With age-related decline looming, the Guardians hope Ramírez's struggles stem from his injury rather than a trend.

2. What's the plan with Steven Kwan?
   Steven Kwan experienced a rollercoaster season, finishing strong after a rough start. Projected to earn around $11 million through arbitration, his future is uncertain. The Guardians must decide whether to:

   • Keep him for 2027 and allow free agency
   • Negotiate a long-term extension
   • Trade him before he walks away for nothing

   Given recent trade rumors and the team's history of trading players before free agency, a trade seems likely.

3. Will anyone get an extension?
   Known for their extension strategy, the Guardians may seek to lock up several key players, including Cade Smith, Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, and Travis Bazzana. While extending pitchers carries risk, Cleveland's limited payroll necessitates exploring these long-term deals to secure their roster's future.

In summary, the Guardians face pivotal decisions that could shape their trajectory as they aim for a World Series title.