This Has Been Guardians Biggest Early Season Strength

The Cleveland Guardians have the best ERA in MLB two weeks into the 2024 season.

There's been a lot to like about the Cleveland Guardians' early start to the 2024 season. The bats have been hitting and scoring runs, we’ve already seen plenty of incredible defensive plays in the middle infield, and the vibes in the clubhouse are “incredible,” according to Andres Gimenez.

However, there’s been one area in particular that has stood as the biggest strength for this Guardians team. That’s been their lights-out bullpen. 

The Guardians currently have a team reliever ERA of 1.29 which is the best in all of baseball and a 0.95 WHIP. That’s even more impressive considering they’ve tallied 48.2 innings of work which is top five in the American League. 

Cleveland’s relievers have also punched out 59 batters which is top three in baseball and the most in the AL. The Guardians had a solid bullpen last season, but they struggled with strikeouts making this an eye-opening stat. 

Apr 4, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) and catcher Bo Naylor (23) react after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Emmanuel Clase has been lights out per usual and Nick Sandlin has once again been a great bridge arm to the final few innings. The core that deserves the biggest shout-out is the ones who were fighting for a roster spot in spring training.

Tyler Beede, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith each had to earn a spot with the big league team and truly got an opportunity because of the injuries to Sam Hentges, Trevor Stephan, and James Karinchak. However, now they’ve each established themselves and their roles in the bullpen.

Stephen Vogt gave a huge shoutout to the relievers after Cleveland’s walk-off victory against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night. 

“Credit to the fight to this team and bullpen. Yet again, just standing strong and doing their job.”

The Guardians have a lot of questions about their starting rotation and how it will shake out this season. But having a strong bullpen can make fans feel a little better about the overall pitching staff.