This is it. This is actually it. The most important series of the 2025 season for the Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians are 72-70 with a -48 run differential, 28th in team wRC+ at 84, sixth in baserunning runs above average at 6.9, seventh in Defense at 0.3, 23rd in starting pitcher FIP at 4.47, and third in bullpen FIP at 3.62.
The Royals are 73-70 with a -1 run differential, 26th in team wRC+ at 90, 23rd in baserunning runs above average at -4.7, 10th in Defense at -6.3, ninth in starting pitcher
FIP at 4.01, and ninth in bullpen FIP at 3.87.
Both teams are poor at hitting, but the Royals are better at pitching. Let’s see how this goes!
Matchups:
Game One, Monday, 6:40PM EDT: Ryan Bergert, RHP, 3.38 FIP vs. Slade Cecconi, RHP, 4.92 FIP
Game Two, Tuesday, 6:40PM EDT: Noah Cameron, LHP, 4.23 FIP vs. Joey Cantillo, LHP, 3.75 FIP
Game Three, Wednesday, 6:40PM EDT: Michael Wacha, RHP, 3.56 FIP vs. Logan Allen, LHP, 4.63 FIP
Game Four, Thursday, 6:40PM EDT: Stephen Kolek, RHP, 2.29 FIP vs. Gavin Williams, RHP, 4.59 FIP
The Guardians are led by Jose Ramirez 131 wRC+, Kyle Manzardo 116 wRC+ and Steven Kwan at 100 wRC+.
The Royals are led by Bobby Witt Jr at 129 wRC+, Maikel Garcia at 127 wRC+, Mike Yastrzemski 113 wRC+, and Adam Frazier at 107 wRC+.
In order for the Guardians to have a legitimate shot at the playoffs, they need to find a way to win this series – period. However, if they can even split, they will have a tiebreaker over the Royals in the event both teams would end up tied when the season ends. So, it is absolutely imperative to at least find a way to split. If you have the time and the ability, this would be a great series to go attend and cheer our guys on.
