My 2026 Guardians Wish List

With Christmas just one month away, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want. On top of a new purse, Series One and Two of 2025 Topps baseball cards, and gift cards galore, I want some changes to my baseball team. Here is my wish list for the 2026 Guardians season.

Kwan Extension

The Guardians made multiple moves on Friday, namely agreeing to Major League contracts with David Fry, Matt Festa, and Nolan Jones. Some familiar names including Will Brennan, Sam Hentges, and Nic Enright became free agents as they were not offered contracts by the team. Perhaps the most important question is what will become of Steven Kwan. The number one item on my wish list is that Kwan signs an extension. While he does not become a free agent until 2028, he is arbitration eligible. Kwan was tendered a contract last week, and he and the team have until January 8th to sign a deal. My dream is that he stays in Cleveland forever, but I will take any kind of extension at this point. The trade talks are stressful and, quite frankly, distracting. To have him locked down for at least a few more years would keep our core intact and make our team stronger.

No Major Injuries

From Fry’s season-ending face injury to Chase DeLauter’s multiple stints on the IL, there were too many moments where a player on the IL could’ve made a huge difference in 2025. I know a completely injury-free season is not possible, but I hope that there are at least no repeats of Fry’s freak on-field injury. Injury-free seasons from people like DeLauter and big names like José Ramírez would result in a no-question season. While I can’t prove that injury-free seasons would result in more wins, a season of reliability and consistency would be huge. Also, I simply do not want my players to get hurt.

Add At Least One More Bullpen Option

You are currently talking to the middle reliever expert here at Covering the Corner. While our current middle relief options are quite good, I’d like to see one more name in there. Someone like Andrew Chafin or Kyle Finnegan, who are not headline names in this year’s trade talks but had solid 2025 seasons, would be a sound addition to this already strong bullpen. Someone who can take on multiple innings in the middle of a close game and keep it within reach. With Cade Smith moving into the closer role and Hunter Gaddis moving into the late inning spots, someone needs to cover those pesky middle innings. A veteran like Chafin could be a great option. (P.S. Eli Morgan is a free agent. Just saying.)