Dream Guardians starting lineup for the 2026 season

The Guardians’ 2025 lineup can be described in a variety of different ways. “Work-in-progress.” “Punchless.” “Disaster.” 

But even with that uninspiring lineup, the Guardians were still able to go on an incredible late season run to clinch the American League Central title.

And while that was an impressive accomplishment (and a tangible example of how good of a manager Stephen Vogt is), the postseason offered a stark reminder of how bad that lineup was when the Guardians bowed out to the Tigers in three games in the American League Wild Card Series. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at the dream starting lineup the Guardians could build this offseason. 

1. Steven Kwan, LF 

Not only is Kwan one of the best defenders in all of baseball, but he’s also a pesky presence who has been a mainstay at the top of the Guardians’ lineup since he made his MLB debut in 2022. 

Even if Kwan took a step back offensively in 2025, he’s still one of the best hitters on Cleveland’s roster and should be a mainstay at the top of the lineup in 2026  — so long as he’s still on the roster by then, that is. 

He was the subject of a variety of trade rumors at the deadline thanks to his rising price tag (MLB Trade Rumors’ Matt Swartz projected Kwan to make $8.8 million through arbitration this offseason) and dwindling team control (he’ll be a free agent after the 2027 season). 

But even if Kwan’s uncertain future means that the end of his tenure with the Guardians could come soon, the best iteration of Cleveland’s lineup is with him leading things off.