CLEVELAND — Let’s discuss the Guardians’ payroll, a topic in Cleveland as prevalent in the winter as seeking backup quarterbacks or ice skating at Public Square.
During their annual end-of-season press conference last Tuesday, Cleveland’s management acknowledged the need to enhance their offense, which ranked 28th in runs per game, as noted by GM Mike Chernoff. While the emergence of current and former top prospects like Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and Travis Bazzana may bolster the team, the Guardians realize that not all challenges can be addressed internally.
Team owner Paul Dolan does not participate in these end-of-season discussions, leaving Chernoff and team president Chris Antonetti to field numerous questions about financial flexibility and payroll intentions. The team’s payroll in the public record indicates minimal long-term commitments, which is hard to overlook.
Given the Guardians’ lack of long-term financial obligations and their compelling roster that recently secured back-to-back AL Central titles, now appears to be an opportune moment for investment. They wouldn’t even need to make drastic changes to revert to their usual payroll range of $90-100 million, one of the lowest in the league; a reasonable amount of offseason spending would suffice.
Guaranteed Expenses
For next season, the Guardians owe money to just four players, including the franchise’s standout player, their anticipated 2025 Opening Day starter (barring food poisoning), and an elite closer still recovering from elbow surgery—yes, even Myles Straw is in the mix.
The Guardians previously traded Straw along with international bonus pool funds to Toronto, agreeing to cover a portion of his future salary. The three remaining players on the guaranteed list will earn a collective $28.9 million next season, an amount surpassed by 18 players in the league individually for 2025. Salary projections for Ramírez and Bibee show significant increases as they approach free agency, while Stephan, a former setup man, struggled with injuries and is currently off the 40-man roster.
Conditional Money
Closer Emmanuel Clase is set to earn $6.4 million in 2026, with two $10 million team options for 2027 and 2028, which includes a $2 million buyout. His current situation stems from an MLB investigation, during which he has been on paid leave, creating uncertainty around his future contribution.
While the Guardians await clarity on Clase and fellow player Luis Ortiz, who also faced a similar situation, the resolution could significantly impact the team’s financial concerns should Clase’s involvement end.
Potential Payroll Concerns
The Guardians have eight arbitration-eligible players, with salary projections nearing $20 million. Key players like Kwan are expected to earn around $8.8 million, while others recovering from surgeries pose potential dilemmas for the team’s strategy moving forward.
Surprising contributors like Festa and Allard emerged in the bullpen this year, but decisions regarding the future of injured or underperforming players will be essential as the team assesses costs and roster needs.
Expenses Departing
Three free agents, including Lane Thomas, Jakob Junis, and Austin Hedges, present intriguing options for the Guardians. However, each player has faced challenges and injuries, leading to preliminary discussions about their return.
The Guardians’ investigations into leadership gaps during the 2023 season emphasize the importance of wise roster choices as they prepare for the future, with fans hoping for a stronger 2024 season.
Financial Outlook
Calculating projected expenses, the three players on guaranteed contracts plus Straw total $31.65 million, with an additional $19.84 million if all arbitration-eligible players are retained (which isn’t likely). That brings the projected payroll to approximately $64 million, significantly lower than the recent trend of $90-100 million.
The Guardians could potentially trigger Means’ option for an additional $6 million and reassess their commitments to arbitration-eligible players. With an uncertain television contract situation and recent fan attendance successes, the front office has significant opportunities to reshape their payroll while addressing offensive deficiencies this offseason.
