The Cleveland Guardians will likely miss the postseason, as they are currently seven games behind the Minnesota Twins for the AL Central lead.
By now, everybody on the team, plus analysts and fans, know what the Guardians need to fix in the offseason.
Their offense is perhaps the worst in the league, so bad that the team doesn’t even have a .500 record despite showing some of the most talented young pitchers in the game.
That part, the pitching, they have covered and it’s in large part thanks to the contributions of rookies.
Logan Allen, Gavin Williams, Xzavion Curry, and Tanner Bibee have all had amazing seasons and form, together with Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie, a nice foundation for 2024.
Bibee in particular was amazing.
His season, however, has come to an end.
“Tanner Bibee will finish his fantastic rookie season with a 2.98 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 142 innings. He’s headed to the IL with right hip inflammation. James Karinchak takes his place,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel tweeted.
Tanner Bibee will finish his fantastic rookie season with a 2.98 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 142 innings.
He’s headed to the IL with right hip inflammation. James Karinchak takes his place.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) September 18, 2023
A sub-3.00 ERA in 142 innings as a rookie is nothing short of amazing, but Bibee was always a promising arm ever since his days in the minor leagues.
He limited home runs and walks, with just 13 and 45, respectively, in 25 starts.
Bibee looks like the Guardians’ future top-of-the-rotation starter if the organization doesn’t extend Bieber.
If Gunnar Henderson and Triston Casas hadn’t been as impressive as they have been, perhaps Bibee would have a clearer path towards AL Rookie of the Year consideration.
He is in the race in any case and deserves lots of votes.
NEXT: Guardians Congratulate New Arrival On Impressive Feat
