Shortstop Wars Returning for Cleveland Guardians While Waiting for More Rookies to Emerge in 2027

Cleveland Guardians’ offense improved in 2026, but still came up short at the end of the day. The question continues to be asked, does changing the hitting coach really unlock next-level offense, or are the real answers in roster construction and individual player buy-in? The show looks at how Milwaukee Brewers’ low home run totals didn’t stop them from chasing a World Series title, while the Guardians’ top-10 pull rate left us wondering how they can improve things still. We looked at Steven Kwan’s evolving approach at the plate in 2026, the subtle impact of Grant Fink versus past coaches, and why bat speed and philosophy matter as much as launch angle or home runs. We included insights from prospects like Cooper Ingle and the challenge of finding scrap heap gems. And we asked whether embracing a Brewers-style approach is possible with Cleveland’s current lineup, how organizational strategy shapes acquisition targets. Can the Guardians’ hitters maximize their potential in 2027, or is a deeper transformation required? 00:00: Hitting Coaches’ True Impact The show discusses the influence of hitting coaches, Guardians philosophy, and the debate over approach versus player talent. 10:41: Brewers Approach vs. Guardians We explore the Brewers' hitting philosophy, their success with opposite-field hitting, and why their methods may not fit the Guardians roster. 23:33: Adapting Philosophy & Maximizing Roster Offensive impact is largely driven through the importance of player acquisition, hitting coach adaptability, and fitting philosophies to personnel, with specific examples highlighted. ⚾ Locked On Guardians — Your Team, Every Day. Subscribe to Locked On Guardians for daily Cleveland Guardians news, analysis, game recaps and postseason coverage with Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis. Join the Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 5-Hour ENERGY Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/ Locked On

The Cleveland Guardians minor league system had a great year, plenty more ups than downs - mostly on the offensive side. Who were the best prospects of the year? Who was the best hitting prospect or pitching prospect? And who were the biggest breakouts and disappointments in the system? Jeff Ellis and Justin Lada debated if anyone in the system could have challenges Ralphy Velazquez as the organization’s clear Prospect of the Year, although questions linger about his ability to hit non-fastballs and left-handed pitching. The show also discussed Justin Campbell's comeback as the Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors, and surprise performances from Cooper Ingle and Jacob Zibin force their way into the conversation. We also looked at Jace LaViolette's disappointing season after striking out at historic rates, while Ryan Cesarini, Aaron Walton, and Luke Hill headlined 2026’s biggest breakouts. Plus, which under-the-radar prospects like Tre Broussard and Dauri Fernandez should fans track for next year’s rankings? 00:00 Guardians Farm System Review Overview of the Guardians' 2026 minor league season, top performers, biggest risers/fallers, and setting up prospect awards discussion. 11:30 Pitcher of the Year Debate Deep dive into the best pitching performances within the Guardians system, including analysis of Justin Campbell, Jacob Zibin, and others. 21:56 Breakouts, Busts, & 2027 Predictions Segment analyzing breakout players, the most disappointing prospects (highlighting Jace LaViolette), and under-the-radar names for the 2027 season. ⚾ Locked On Guardians — Your Team, Every Day. Subscribe to Locked On Guardians for daily Cleveland Guardians news, analysis, game recaps and postseason coverage with Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis. Join the Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 5-Hour ENERGY Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧

The Cleveland Guardians farm system had a major impact on the team's third straight AL Central title, from rookie performances to trade chips. The show reviews the fourth annual prospect draft. Did Jeff and Justin's annual prospect draft successfully predict breakout stars like Travis Bazzana, Cooper Ingle, and Parker Messick? Weigh in on who picked the better farm system roster, as we debate position depth, pitching troubles, and key misses such as Aaron Walton. The show also explores the Guardians’ evolving approach to player development, the impact of trade deadline moves, and standout performances from the Arizona Fall League. We looked at the organization’s shift toward stronger hitting prospects, ongoing challenges in nurturing young pitchers, and what lessons from the 2026 World Series Cleveland needs to learn from. 00:00 Prospect Draft Review The conversation focused on evaluating the show's annual prospect draft, highlighting key picks, comparing roster outcomes, and discussing which analysts’ selections performed best during the season. 10:47 Farm System Health & Misses A key theme that emerged was reviewing overall farm system performance, examining player graduations, major trade chips, system strengths and misses, and which under-the-radar names broke out or were overlooked. 24:15 Arizona Fall League & Playoff Lessons The show explores Guardians prospects’ Arizona Fall League performances including Welbyn Francisca, and extracted broader lessons for the Guardians from the World Series, with specific attention to player development trends, positional strengths, and postseason strategy. ⚾ Locked On Guardians — Your Team, Every Day. Subscribe to Locked On Guardians for daily Cleveland Guardians news, analysis, game recaps and postseason coverage with Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis. Join the Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 5-Hour ENERGY Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-gua

Cleveland Guardians SAY they expect Steven Kwan back in 2027. But a year away from free agency, will the team revisit trade offers for Kwan? Do they NEED him to be back? Or does it make sense to take advantage and add more pieces for him? The episode discusses why Kwan's status could the crux of the offseason for the Guardians. We discuss all aspects of Kwan's stats - declining speed, elite on-base skills, and defensive prowess, raising crucial questions about how his future shapes the team’s strategy. With outfield depth uncertain and recent history suggesting the front office could move on from fan favorites, every offseason move now carries extra weight. We also dive into how the Guardians might replace Kwan if traded, and the domino effect on lineup construction. Jeff Ellis and Justin Lada also consider Austin Hedges’ role and it's guaranteed he's coming back, catcher depth including Cooper Ingle, and bench upgrades add further intrigue. 00:00 Steven Kwan 2027 Outlook Opening discussion about the Cleveland Guardians' recent statements regarding Steven Kwan's future with the team, and analysis of whether he should and will be part of the 2027 roster. 10:15 Kwan Trade Ramifications Exploring the implications of potentially trading Steven Kwan, the impact on outfield depth and lineup construction, and what type of return might be expected if a trade is pursued. 21:42 Catching Situation & Staff Changes Examination of the team's catching depth for the future, the potential departure of Austin Hedges, and the exit of hitting staff member Conner Watson to the Astros. ⚾ Locked On Guardians — Your Team, Every Day. Subscribe to Locked On Guardians for daily Cleveland Guardians news, analysis, game recaps and postseason coverage with Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis. Join the Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 5-Hour ENERGY Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/ Locked On MLB League-Wide

Stephen Vogt confirmed he returns to Cleveland as the Guardians manager in 2027, along with the rest of the coaching staff. What else did we learn from the Guardians end of season press conference? Will assistant pitching coach Brad Goldberg get poached by another team? The first roster decisions headline the agenda: Will the Guardians bring back veteran catcher Austin Hedges or exercise Shawn Armstrong’s $8 million mutual option? Hosts Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis examine internal roster battles, the front office’s postseason pitching missteps, and how Steven Kwan’s future shapes Cleveland’s entire strategy. And we give you our World Series predictions. 00:00 — Vogt & Coaching Staff Retention Discussion of Stephen Vogt's expected return as Guardians manager, potential coaching staff changes, and summary of the end-of-season press conference. 09:35 — Press Conference Takeaways Recap of key press conference questions, including Tanner Bibee’s future, Daniel Espino’s role, rookie catchers (Cooper Ingle, Ralphy Velazquez), and Antonetti’s offseason approach. 17:47 — Staff & Roster Decisions Examination of coaching staff futures, including Brad Goldberg and Carl Willis, plus breakdown of upcoming roster decisions on Shawn Armstrong, Austin Hedges, and implications for Steven Kwan. ⚾ Locked On Guardians — Your Team, Every Day. Subscribe to Locked On Guardians for daily Cleveland Guardians news, analysis, game recaps and postseason coverage with Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis. Join the Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 5-Hour ENERGY Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. LarineCo Larine is a better-for-you chewing gum . Larine is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/LOCKEDONMLB. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team,