Judge, who also had a solid start with two home runs in the first three games, currently sits in sixth place on the MLB home run leaderboard, tied with several other players. It’s still early, and he has plenty of time to climb higher as the season progresses.

DeLauter’s hot start goes beyond the long ball. With five RBIs and a .353 batting average, he’s showing that the Cleveland Guardians could be in position to compete this season after taking three of four games from Seattle in the opening series.

Judge not leading any categories

After three games with the New York Yankees, Judge is not leading any major statistical category in 2026. The only areas where he ranks inside the top 10 are home runs and strikeouts, where he has seven, placing him seventh in that category.

It hasn’t been a terrible start for Judge, though. He’s hitting just .154, well below DeLauter’s mark, but expectations remain high. Projections from Baseball Reference still have him finishing around a .302 average with at least 45 home runs this season.

What are the Guardians paying DeLauter?

DeLauter is currently playing under a one-year major league deal worth $3.75 million with Cleveland. It’s his first contract at the MLB level, and if he continues at this pace, he could be in line for a significantly bigger deal next season—though a potential lockout could complicate that timeline.

Following his debut appearance in spring training with the Dodgers, Freeman was questioned by the media about his initial performance, offering valuable insights after a matchup with the Cleveland Guardians.

“It’s nice to be able to hit a ball to left-center already… that’s a good sign,” Freeman reflected to reporters. His first hit of the preseason suggests he’s in fine form for the challenges that lie ahead.

While Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Cy Young ambitions are unmistakable following his World Series MVP honors, Freeman is expected to generate significant buzz as the MLB season approaches, with the Dodgers eyeing another title defense in 2026.

Freeman’s performance against the Guardians

Though Freeman has little to prove to Dodgers fans, he demonstrates readiness for the upcoming season as Los Angeles prepares to defend its championship title in 2026.

These were his stats in the game against the Guardians:

• At-Bats: 2
• Hits: 1
• Doubles: 1
• RBIs: 2
• Runs: 1
• Exit Velocity: 103.7 mph

With several key players returning to the Dodgers following the World Baseball Classic in March, Los Angeles is preparing to ardently defend its title in the upcoming season.

To optimize player positions and lineups for the upcoming season, the Guardians are considering placing Kwan in center field. This strategy aims to explore his versatility and assess his potential impact from a different position.

“We’ve discussed this a few times, given our roster composition,” stated Stephen Vogt on Thursday. “We’ve mentioned, ‘Hey, there might come a time when you need to play center.’ He’s also shown interest in trying out center field.”

The spring training adjustments could provide valuable insights into maximizing the four-time Gold Glove winner’s contributions as the team seeks to elevate its performance in the upcoming season.

Kwan’s impact on the Guardians

Kwan’s influence extends beyond personal accolades. His talent, statistical achievements, and impeccable hitting technique have been pivotal for the Guardians, offering hope throughout the 2025 regular season.

One of Kwan’s highlights was his exceptional batting performance last season, boasting a .398 average in June. This achievement made him the first Guardian since Tris Speaker in 1921 to sustain such a high average nearly 70 games into a season.

This impressive stint occurred despite a wrist injury in late May, which required an injection during the All-Star break. Consequently, his average dropped from .285 in the first half to .254 in the second half.

Projected Guardians lineup for Opening Day

As Opening Day approaches, the Guardians are finalizing their lineup for the season’s inaugural game against the Seattle Mariners, a team also projected to make significant strides this year.

1. Steven Kwan LF
2. George Valera RF
3. Jose Ramírez 3B
4. Kyle Manzardo 1B
5. Chase DeLauter CF
6. C.J. Kayfus DH
7. Bo Naylor C
8. Gabriel Arias 2B
9. Brayan Rocchio SS

By sending left‑handed pitcher Franklin Gomez to Cleveland, the Mets converted roster depth into international bonus pool space — a move the team confirmed on social media as they continue reshaping their long‑term plan.

The decision comes as the Mets navigate a broader roster transition, with questions lingering around high-profile pursuits such as Kyle Tucker. Rather than standing still, the front office appears intent on reinforcing the pipeline that will support the franchise in the years ahead.

Why did the Mets move Franklin Gomez now?

The trade reflects a calculated shift toward international talent acquisition, an area where flexibility and timing are critical. By acquiring additional bonus pool space, New York gains the ability to be more aggressive in negotiations with top teenage prospects entering professional baseball.

For Cleveland, the move offers a low-risk pitching addition, while the Mets prioritize long-term upside over immediate depth. As MLB teams increasingly value international scouting, these types of exchanges have become a subtle but important part of roster construction.

How does this fit into the Mets’ broader offseason strategy?

Although the deal does not directly impact the major league roster, it aligns with the Mets’ renewed emphasis on development and sustainability. Strengthening the international budget provides another avenue to supplement future cores without relying solely on free agency.

During a recent interview with MLB insider Hector Gomez, the Dominican spoke about how he feels in Cleveland and made it clear that he would choose to stay there as long as he continues playing professional baseball.

“I’m very grateful with the Cleveland Guardians and its fans, who have always supported me throughout my career. I feel I should stay here for the rest of my career because of the incredible treatment I have always received from the fans; I can’t thank them enough for how loving they have been to me.”

The Guardians managed to reach the first round of the playoffs in 2025, but unfortunately fell 6–3 to the Detroit Tigers. Looking ahead, they trust that Ramirez and his teammates can make a big impact in 2026.

Ramirez’s vision regarding his contract extension with the Guardians

His strong performances led Ramirez to sign a contract extension back in 2022. It was a seven-year, $141 million deal, which Ramirez acknowledged was below market value, though he said he understands the limitations of a small-market team.

“That was ultimately my decision…I got a significant salary bump,” he said, via translation from Master Flip on X. “I knew it wasn’t fully reflective of my market value…But I’m a veteran, I understand how the game works.

“Cleveland is a small-market team, and they simply can’t pay me what I could command on the open market. So I told them, Let’s find a fair agreement that works for both sides.”

Jose Ramirez’s 2025 stats

Jose Ramirez continued to be the cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians’ offense in 2025, posting a stellar .283 batting average alongside 30 home runs. His elite production resulted in 85 RBIs and a robust .863 OPS, marks that once again solidified his status as one of the premier third basemen in the American League.

ESPN‘s Alden Gonzalez reports that the Blue Jays have inked right-handed pitcher Nic Enright to a two-year minor league contract. Gonzalez stated regarding the reported latest acquisition from the Guardians.

However, it is noted that Enright will be sidelined until the 2027 MLB season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent after last season. Despite this setback, the two-year minor league agreement represents an attempt at a major league comeback for Enright in future seasons.

The decision to sign an injured player who will miss the 2026 season has sparked debate. Nevertheless, the Blue Jays’ reported acquisition of Enright taps into the promising potential he showcased during his impressive 2025 season with the Guardians.

Enright’s 2025 season stats with the Guardians

Enright contributed significantly to a Guardians roster that aimed to make waves in the postseason. Unfortunately, they fell short in the Wild Card Series, suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Detroit Tigers.

Enright’s performance during the regular season instilled hope among fans for a more successful postseason run. Here are his standout stats from the 2025 season:

• Games (G): 27
• ERA: 2.03
• Innings Pitched (IP): 31.0
• W-L Record: 2–1
• Strikeouts (SO): 30
• WHIP: 1.16
• Saves (SV): 1

Recent reports have fueled intrigue, suggesting that the Mets could target Cleveland Guardians‘ standout, Steven Kwan. Baseball analyst Chris Rose notably discussed the viable prospect of bringing Kwan to New York, thereby strengthening the Mets’ outfield lineup.

“I do think there’s one other trade candidate. I think Steven Kwan would fit them ideally,” Rose commented, as noted by JM Baseball. His analysis underscores the possibility of Kwan’s impactful contribution in the Mets’ outfield setup.

“They need outfield help. He is the most consistent guy. He can thrive in New York because he’s unwavering; he doesn’t get distracted. He just goes out and plays, delivering excellent at-bats,” Rose commended about the 28-year-old left fielder.

Offseason dynamics could define Kwan’s future

While Rose’s comments add weight to the Kwan speculation, multiple factors could influence the Mets’ pursuit. Primarily, the decision from Tatsuya Imai, a coveted Japanese talent linked with the Mets and several other teams, looms large.

Additionally, the Mets have their sights set on Cody Bellinger, frequently highlighted as a pivotal target this offseason. Furthermore, Kyle Tucker is another name circulating within trade talks, positioning him as a prospective acquisition for the Mets.

Balancing these considerations, the Mets should proceed thoughtfully regarding Kwan. While Kwan represents a significant possible asset, aligning priorities and understanding their key targets would dictate whether an offer to the Guardians is forthcoming.

In conclusion, the Mets face a defining offseason as they attempt to recalibrate and fortify their roster. With pivotal decisions pending, the potential acquisition of Steven Kwan and other marquee players will shape the franchise’s fortunes in the season ahead.

Winning streaks are baseball’s rarest currency. They demand precision and timing, turning ordinary stretches of a season into moments that feel untouchable. When victories pile up night after night, records begin to feel within reach.

Across more than a century of MLB, only a select few teams have managed to sustain perfection long enough to challenge history. Some emerged from dominant eras, others surged unexpectedly, but all left a measurable mark.

From the rough edges of the dead-ball era to the calculated efficiency of modern rosters, some streaks did more than decide standings. They shifted momentum, defined legacies and sparked debates that still linger in baseball lore.

New York Giants – 26 consecutive wins (1916)

The most iconic winning streak in Major League Baseball history belongs to the 1916 New York Giants (now known as San Francisco Giants), a team that turned a rocky season into a legendary chapter. Managed by the formidable John McGraw, the Giants rattled off 26 straight victories in September 1916, setting a benchmark that still stands today.

One peculiar detail adds historical texture to the record: the streak includes a tie game suspended by rain, which—under the rules of the era—did not interrupt the run. What makes the feat even more remarkable is its outcome. Despite the historic surge, the Giants finished fourth in the National League, proving that even baseball’s greatest streaks don’t always lead to championships.

Cleveland Guardians – 22 consecutive wins (2017)

The longest winning streak in American League history came from the Cleveland Guardians in 2017, when the club surged through late summer with 22 straight victories. What began as a strong playoff push quickly transformed into one of the most dominant stretches of the modern MLB era.

Unlike earlier historical streaks, Cleveland’s run was uninterrupted by ties or scheduling quirks, which sparked debate about its purity compared to older records. Although their postseason ended sooner than hoped, their late-season dominance remains one of the defining moments of 21st-century baseball.

Chicago Cubs – 21 consecutive wins (1935)

The 1935 Chicago Cubs produced one of the most decisive stretches of the pre-war era, stitching together 21 consecutive victories late in the season. What began as a tight pennant race quickly turned into a runaway charge, as Chicago capitalized on consistency at the plate and composure on the mound to separate itself from the rest of the National League.

Veteran leadership, particularly from catcher Gabby Hartnett, anchored the run, as the Cubs handled pressure situations with efficiency rather than flash. Although their season ultimately ended in a World Series defeat to the Detroit Tigers, the streak remains a defining moment in franchise history and one of the most influential late-season surges ever recorded.

Chicago White Stockings – 21 consecutive wins (1880)

Baseball looked very different in 1880, but dominance translated clearly then as it does now. The Chicago White Stockings rattled off 21 straight wins during a season in which they overwhelmed the National League, finishing with a remarkable 67–17 record and asserting control from start to finish.

Led by Cap Anson, Chicago thrived despite the challenges of early professional baseball—primitive travel, uneven playing conditions, and evolving rules. Their winning streak was not an anomaly but a reflection of sustained superiority, helping establish the White Stockings as one of the sport’s earliest powerhouses.

Oakland Athletics – 20 consecutive wins (2002)

The 2002 Oakland Athletics delivered one of the most memorable winning streaks of the modern era, capturing 20 straight victories in a season that redefined how teams could compete. Operating with a limited payroll, Oakland leaned on data-driven roster construction, bullpen depth, and matchup advantages to outlast more expensive opponents.

That run became the on-field proof of the Moneyball philosophy, later immortalized beyond the sport itself. While postseason success ultimately fell short, the streak remains a landmark moment that changed how front offices across MLB evaluated talent and efficiency.

Providence Grays – 20 consecutive wins (1884)

In the early days of Major League Baseball, the Providence Grays stood out as a dominant force, stringing together 20 consecutive victories during the 1884 season. Their success was fueled largely by pitching ace Old Hoss Radbourn, whose workload and effectiveness remain nearly unmatched in league history.

The streak propelled Providence toward a National League championship and highlighted the importance of elite pitching in an era with minimal specialization. Even by 19th-century standards, the Grays’ sustained excellence set a benchmark that few teams have approached since.

New York Yankees – 19 consecutive wins (1947)

The 1947 New York Yankees added another chapter to their dynasty with a 19-game winning streak that showcased the depth and balance of a championship-caliber roster. The run spanned home games, road trips, and doubleheaders, underscoring the team’s ability to maintain focus across demanding stretches of the schedule.

Rather than relying on a single superstar, multiple contributors stepped up throughout the streak, reflecting the organizational strength that defined the Yankees’ post-war era. It was a surge built on consistency—one that foreshadowed their eventual World Series triumph.

Chicago White Sox – 19 consecutive wins (1906)

Known famously as the “Hitless Wonders”, the 1906 Chicago White Sox leaned on elite pitching and defense to compile 19 straight wins, dramatically reshaping their season. At a time when offensive production was limited, Chicago excelled by controlling games and minimizing mistakes.

That momentum carried directly into October, where the White Sox stunned the heavily favored Cubs in the World Series. The streak became more than a statistical achievement—it was the foundation of one of the most improbable championship runs in baseball history.

The report comes from Robert Murray: “Free-agent reliever Colin Holderman and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year contract, according to sources familiar with the deal,” he wrote, though he did not disclose how much the 30-year-old pitcher, who has appeared in 161 career games, mostly with the Pirates, might be paid.

Last season, Holderman appeared in only 24 games with the Pirates, posting a 7.01 ERA. It was known since May 2025 that he was dealing with a thumb injury, and upon his return in June, he was pitching for Single-A Brandenton.

How much will the Guardians pay Holderman?

According to Spotrac, Holderman will have a salary of $1.5 million with the Guardians, the same amount of money he earned in his final season with the Pirates. This will be his second contract over the million-dollar mark, as his salary was $755,000 per season until 2024.

Holderman has known Andrew McCutchen since 2023, when the veteran returned to Pittsburgh. However, the reliever arrived in 2022 and contributed to the team with a total of 146 major league appearances. His career ERA, including 15 games with the Mets, stands at 4.13.

The Guardians are clearly undertaking a form of bullpen reconstruction, and an experienced arm like Holderman’s could be very beneficial to the team. He will join fellow relievers such as Matt Festa and Connor Brogdon, who are also on one-year contracts.

As reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers have expressed interest in acquiring Steven Kwan from the Guardians. “The Guardians nearly traded him to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, and Los Angeles is expected to make another attempt. The price tag will be high, but the Dodgers certainly boast the prospect capital,” Nightengale noted.

Simultaneously, the Dodgers have reportedly set their sights on two-time All-Star Devin Williams from the Yankees, as reported by the New York Times’ Fabian Ardaya. “The Dodgers are once again in pursuit of a reliever in the free-agent market, which includes at least one familiar target from last winter: two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams,” Ardaya stated.

These relievers, reportedly on the Dodgers’ radar, could be stellar additions to the roster. Both players had impressive performances last season and could strengthen a pitching staff already fortified by talents such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, among others.

Dodgers eyeing other market targets

ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggests another potential target for the Dodgers is New York Mets’ reliever Edwin Diaz. However, he also sheds light on the likely scenarios the Dodgers could encounter in the upcoming offseason.

“The Dodgers are not inclined to offer 10-plus years for Kyle Tucker, nor do they need Kyle Schwarber. Their starting pitching is robust, with seven contributing pitchers set to return in 2025, along with River Ryan and Gavin Stone following major surgeries,” Passan wrote.

Passan further elaborated: “While they have ample trade flexibility, the most evident move is to hope for a successful second attempt at signing a top-tier closer following Tanner Scott’s unexpected decline this year. Signing free-agent closer Edwin Diaz should be a priority.“

Dodgers’ key player to undergo surgery

As speculation surrounding potential roster enhancements continues, the Dodgers have confirmed that Tommy Edman will undergo ankle surgery next week to address a lingering issue.

In this context, the reigning champions are already strategizing for the next season. Having achieved their main goal this year, they are poised to aim for even greater success in 2026.

In the series finale, the Guardians are set to face the Texas Rangers, while the Tigers will take on the Boston Red Sox. Both teams are coming off victories in their previous games. The outcome of these matchups will determine the American League Central champion as the season concludes.

Despite a valiant effort, the Astros have been eliminated from contention. In light of this, star player Carlos Correa delivered an encouraging message to the fans. The Astros had a promising opportunity to secure a playoff spot, but crucial losses down the stretch dashed their hopes.

As anticipation builds towards crowning the AL Central champion, fans eagerly await the outcome, knowing that the end of the season could hold unexpected twists. The excitement is palpable as the games reach their decisive conclusion.

What happens if the Tigers and Guardians finish tied?

If the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians end up tied after their respective games, the Guardians will clinch the AL Central championship. Cleveland holds the advantage in the head-to-head matchup, meaning that if both teams lose or win today, the Guardians will still secure the division title.

Despite one of these two teams not claiming the championship this year, they’ve already secured their spot in the next round. This could bode well for the challenges they will face moving forward. However, who can deny the allure of adding another title to their trophy cabinet?

It was a commendable regular season for both teams. Achieving over 86 wins in such a competitive environment is an impressive feat. Standout performances have been critical, with players like Gavin Williams of the Guardians leading the league with 83 walks and Tarik Skubal of the Tigers topping the American League with a 2.21 ERA.