Locked On Guardians - Daily Podcast On The Cleveland Guardians

6 Cleveland Guardians prospects made their MLB debut in 2025. But which rising stars in the system should the front office consider trading while their value peaks? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the minor league system's biggest risers and fallers in 2025. Ralphy Velazquez's explosive second half (.330/.408/.591 from July 1st) sees him generating pre-trade Clint Frazier-level excitement, w...

Could the Cleveland Guardians see more coaches leave with Craig Albernaz becoming the Baltimore Orioles Manager? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis analyze potential replacements and the ripple effects on the team's strategy. The show dissects Jim Bowden's top 50 free agent list, eyeing outfield hitters like Trent Grisham and Mike Yastrzemski as possible fits for the Guardians. They explore how recent  ch...

Cleveland Guardians shake up coaching staff. Will these changes propel them to new heights in the upcoming MLB season?   Host Jeff Ellis analyzes the Guardians' recent coaching departures, including Craig Albernaz to the Baltimore Orioles and Jason Esposito to Vanderbilt. He examines the team's defensive performance, highlighting Steven Kwan's Fielding Bible Award and potential improvements in cen...

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme?   The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen s...

STAR OUTFIELDER ON THE BLOCK? Could Mike Trout be placed on the trade block? Could the Cleveland Guardians join the fray to acquire the star outfielder? Justin Lada explores the possibility of a blockbuster trade that would make sense for both the Guardians and Angels. We look at possible evidence of a trade, more reasons supporting an external outfield upgrade. The show breaks down potential trad...

The Cleveland Guardians hired a pitching analyst that data on reliever over-usage, but continued to over-use its bullpen. How can the team adapt its approach for future success? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect the Guardians' over-reliance on certain relievers, exploring data on batter-pitcher familiarity and its impact on playoff performance. The show analyzes potential improvements to Clevelan...

GUARDIANS STOCK WATCH: Who's Rising, Who's Falling? Which Cleveland Guardians prospects stocks should we buy, sell or hold and should we buy that the Guardians will make 'significant' outfield addition? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis analyze the Cleveland Guardians' farm system, debating which prospects are 2026 impact, including Daniel Espino. The show talks about if the time is right to sell on Slad...

With several ex-Cleveland Guardians on the Toronto Blue Jays headed to the World Series, do the Guardians struggle more with identifying hitting talent or developing it? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect the Guardians' talent identification process and what is working for other teams and what isn't for the Guardians. We also discuss why internal improvement will be more improtant than free agency...

GUARDIANS TRADE TARGETS: Castellanos, Winn, and Goodman in Focus   Could Nick Castellanos be Cleveland-bound? Jeff Ellis analyzes potential trade targets for the Cleveland Guardians, dissecting Castellanos' declining stats and high contract. The host explores Masyn Winn's defensive prowess, Jimmy Herget's unique pitching style, and Hunter Goodman's offensive potential. Ellis also breaks down the r...

Cleveland Guardians' pitching prowess holds the key to 2026 success. Can they emulate playoff powerhouses and return to the ALCS? Justin Lada analyzes the Guardians' starting rotation, comparing their strategy to successful teams like the Dodgers and Mariners. This episode discusses why the Guardians must lean on Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams and their young arms to propel Cleveland forward. The...

GUARDIANS GAMBLING PROBE: What's Next for Cleveland's Pitchers? Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are now allowed to play in the Dominican Winter League. Does that tip MLB's hand about the results of the Gambling probe? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis discuss that and why that makes bullpen a critical need in the offseason. The show also explores trade scenarios including a potential deal with the Philadel...

GUARDIANS' KWAN CONUNDRUM: TRADE, EXTEND, OR HOLD? Steven Kwan's inconsistent 2025 leads to questions about his future. The Guardians need him, but what version and for how long? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect Kwan's inconsistent performance, defensive prowess, and potential trade value. The show explore the Guardians' outfield depth, analyzing prospects like Chase DeLauter and George Valera a...

Live reaction to the Cleveland Guardians re-signing catcher Austin Hedges for the 2026 season.   0:00 Intro: Austin Hedges re-signs with Guardians 5:23 Financial impact of Hedges signing on payroll 10:31 Why Hedges is back and roster implications 15:33 Hedges provides versatility and roster flexibility 20:12 $4 million for backup catcher reasonable price   Charity Rally Dino T-Shirt https://www.jn...

EXTEND STEPHEN VOGT NOW OR RISK LOSING HIM? Cleveland's skipper Stephen Vogt has clinched two division titles in two years, but World Series glory remains elusive. Hosts Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect Vogt's managerial prowess, exploring his regular-season success and postseason challenges. They debate the urgency of extending Vogt's contract and speculate on potential interest from the San Fr...

GUARDIANS DRAFT STRATEGY UNVEILED: Will Cleveland's Pick Reshape Their Future?   Jeff Ellis breaks down the Cleveland Guardians' potential draft position, challenging popular predictions. He analyzes key prospects, such as Carson Tinney, Caden Bogenpohl, and Logan Schmidt, offering insights into the team's draft strategy. The host also addresses the José Ramírez viral video controversy, providing...

GUARDIANS TRADE TALK: Pitching for Hitting? Time to get aggressive? Cleveland's pitching factory is back, but hitting needs improvement. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down potential trades, eyeing Gavin Williams and Joey Cantillo as valuable assets. They explore possible trade partners like the Padres, Blue Jays, and Orioles, weighing the complexities of finding surplus hitting. The discussion...

GUARDIANS' 40-MAN ROSTER PUZZLE: WHO STAYS, WHO GOES? Cleveland's front office faces crucial 40-man roster decisions this offseason. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the Guardians' roster situation, identifying must-add prospects like Angel Genao and debating the fate of bubble players. The show analyzes potential additions, non-tender candidates, and the strategy behind protecting key assets...

GUARDIANS' OFFSEASON SHAKE-UP: Big Moves on the Horizon? The Cleveland Guardians talked about the need for improved offense, especially the outfield in their first offseason press conference. Will they pursue external talent or bank on internal prospects like Chase DeLauter and George Valera? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the team's projected payroll and potential flexibility. They analyze...

GUARDIANS' 2026 ROSTER SHAKEUP: Who Stays, Who Goes? Cleveland's division champs face tough decisions for 2026. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis analyze the Guardians 40-man roster, arbitration cases, and potential moves. Will Steven Kwan's defense outweigh his offensive inconsistencies and keep him in Cleveland? The show talks about which free agents, Jakob Junis, Austin Hedges, and Lane Thomas, could...

GUARDIANS THREAD THE NEEDLE: Contending While Developing in 2025 Cleveland's late-season surge was certainly fun and historic, but was it enough? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the Guardians' rollercoaster 2025 campaign, from early struggles to a scorching September finish. We dive into Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee's early season struggles and eventual breakthroughs, the team's strategy...

The Locked on MLB Squad dissects the thrilling Wild Card round, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's dominant performance and the New York Yankees' unexpected success. They analyze crucial pitching decisions, debating the merits of modern bullpen management versus traditional strategies. They offer predictions for the Divisional Series, focusing on the Philadelphia Phillies-Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankee...

GUARDIANS' PLAYOFF DREAMS SHATTERED The Cleveland Guardians ran their bullpen into the ground and met their untimely end to the 2025 season. Hosts Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect the team's crucial missteps, from overworked relievers to underperforming stars like Steven Kwan and José Ramírez. The show explores the challenges of competing as a small-market franchise and praises the front office'...

GUARDIANS STUN TIGERS: Young Guns Shine in Playoff Thriller The Cleveland Guardians resilience and pitching were the key in forcing a decisive Game 3 vs. the Detroit Tigers. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the game-changing performances of George Valera, Chase DeLauter, and Brayan Rocchio. The show analyzes Tanner Bibee and the pitching staff's ability to get out of jams and show growth as w...

GUARDIANS ON THE BRINK: Can Cleveland's Season Be Saved? Cleveland's playoff hopes hang by a thread after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Defensive miscues and missed opportunities plagued the Guardians, overshadowing Gavin Williams' stellar pitching performance. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the game's crucial moments, including a ninth-inning situation with José Ramírez o...

GUARDIANS PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Can Cleveland Stun Detroit in Wild Card Showdown? The Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers faceoff again in another playoff battle. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the Wild Card series, analyzing roster decisions, pitching matchups, and historical context. Will Chase DeLauter make a surprise appearance on the playoff roster? How will Stephen Vogt manage the pitch...