Cleveland Guardians Early Odds To Win World Series For 2022

Now a couple weeks removed from the World Series, the MLB hot stove is starting to heat up as we have already seen the likes of Noah Syndergaard (Angels), Justin Verlander (Astros), and Eduardo Rodriguez (Tigers) already sign.

While all eyes are on both free agency and the upcoming expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, it is still never too early to look ahead to the next season.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the early odds for the Cleveland Guardians to win the 2022 World Series.

2021 Recap

Just to recap the season that just finished, the Indians finished second in the AL Central in 2021. Despite the second-place finish, they still finished under .500 (80-82) and 13 games back of the division-winning Chicago White Sox.

Offensively, the team ranked 18th in the majors averaging 4.43 runs per game. They were led by All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez, who hit .266/.355/.538 with 36 home runs, 103 runs batted in, 111 runs, and 27 stolen bases. He led the team in all four of those categories.

The team finished 18th in staff earned run average at 4.34. Aaron Civale led the team with a 12-5 record to go along with a 3.84 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts in 124.1 innings.

Welcoming In The New Logo

Entering the new season also means a new logo for Cleveland. Moving forward, the Indians name that has been synonymous with Cleveland since 1915 is being retired in favor of the Guardians, which will take over in 2022.

Current 2022 World Series Odds

The Guardians are currently seen as longshots to win the World Series in 2022. In fact, they are tied for 20th-best odds at +7000.

In terms of their division, they are tied with the Royals and Twins and see the Chicago White Sox (+1000) and Detroit Tigers (+4000) ahead of them in terms of World Series odds.

Needs For 2022

Despite the success of Jose Ramirez, the Guardians are not currently built to outslug their opponents. As a result, they really need the starting rotation to get healthy.

Most notably, Shane Bieber (96.2), Aaron Civale (124.1), and Zach Plesac (142.2) combined for just over 363 innings. As the three workhorses, the Guardians would love for that number to be closer to 600.

If the starting rotation can get figured out, the Guardians have the potential for a really solid bullpen. Emmanuel Clase was especially impressive as he had 24 saves, a 1.29 ERA, and 74 strikeouts in just 69.2 innings.

The Guardians could also look for some major upgrades in the outfield. As it stands, the starting outfield in 2022 could consist of Myles Straw, Bradley Zimmer, and Harold Ramirez. Nothing against any of those three, but there is potential room for upgrades at all three spots.

With some interesting free-agent options, ranging from Michael Conforto to Mark Canha, the Guardians should be able to find a good value that can instantly upgrade their offense.

The middle infield could be another area where an upgrade could occur, but a change may be more likely at second base than a shortstop. Regardless, with Jose Ramirez and Franmil Reyes (30 HR, 85 RBI) in the middle of the lineup, some subtle upgrades could go a long way to helping out the offense.

Circling back to Jose Ramirez, it will also be interesting to see how ownership handles the third baseman moving forward. They already picked up his option for 2022 and have another one for 2023, but Cleveland may explore what the return on trade could look like at some point if they don’t think they can sign him to a long-term extension.

2022 Outlook

If the rotation can stay healthy, Cleveland could certainly improve on its 80-82 record from this season. However, with the White Sox (who have the third-best odds of winning the World Series) and a quickly improving Tigers team in their division, it will certainly be tough sledding for Cleveland in 2022.