For years, fans have urged the Cleveland Guardians to be more aggressive and make the moves the team needs to get over the top.
They made it to the ALCS last season despite not having a big-money payroll.
Then, instead of doubling down on that core and bringing in more talent, they looked to shed money off their books and moved on from one of their best hitters.
That’s why analyst Ken Carman doesn’t seem to trust this front office and negatively compared Guardians owner Paul Dolan to the owners of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns.
“This is what’s different with the Guardians and the other two teams in town. Dan Gilbert (Cavaliers) and the front office share the desire to win. They’ve been very successful. Jimmy Haslam (Browns) and the front office share the desire to win. They have not been successful. I don’t believe Paul Dolan wants to win at that level. I think that, if given the chance, he will try. I don’t think he wants to win to that level. I think it’s an important thing for him in his civic-mindedness to keep the organization afloat,” Carman said, via 92.3 The Fan.
"Dan Gilbert and front office share the desire to win… Jimmy Haslam and front office share the desire to win… I don't believe Paul Dolan wants to win to that level."
🚨 @KenCarman on where he believes the Guardians front office stands compared to the other teams in town. pic.twitter.com/xC42I0pGqe
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 16, 2025
That might be a chronic problem all over Major League Baseball.
With no salary floor, owners can keep making money even if they don’t invest to keep the team competitive.
That might also be pushing fans away from a sport that used to be the most popular in America.
The Guardians are a competitive team with a solid management situation and a good staff.
But more often than not, a team has to spend aggressively if it wants to compete at the highest level, and that may seem unlikely under this ownership.
NEXT: Guardians Among Teams With Notable All-Star History