5 way too early predictions for the Cleveland Guardians in 2025

Division Series - Detroit Tigers v Cleveland Guardians - Game 1
Division Series - Detroit Tigers v Cleveland Guardians - Game 1 | Jason Miller/GettyImages
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3. Gavin Williams puts it all together

In his first two major league seasons, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams has displayed all the traits of why he was so highly regarded before making his debut. The only problem is that he has yet to pitch well across the board, but that is going to change in 2025.

Williams has a career 4.04 ERA, 1.310 WHIP, and 9.1 strikeouts per nine in his first 32 starts for the Guardians. These numbers resemble that of a serviceable starter who gives you what he gives you and nothing more, but more is expected of Williams, given his pitching profile.

What this will ultimately come down to is Williams cutting down on free passes issued. Williams averages almost four walks allowed per nine innings, and that is incredibly difficult to overcome. This also elevates his pitch count early in games, which has resulted in averaging fewer than 5 innings per start.

Allowing fewer walks will allow Williams to go deeper into games, and he will be able to put together a full season's worth of starts that show he is at least a solid second starter behind Tanner Bibee if not something much more valuable than that.

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