Cleveland Guardians shake up their roster by releasing Jonathan Rodriguez, sparking debate on whether it’s a critical misstep or a logical move for a contender. With Rodriguez’s impressive AAA stats and bat speed, could a struggling team take a chance on him? The spotlight also turns to the aftermath of the 2017 MLB draft, as Jeff Ellis analyzes how past picks like Tyler Freeman, Ernie Clement, and Eli Morgan shaped Cleveland’s current depth.

Matchup analysis heats up as the Guardians prepare for their opening series against the Seattle Mariners. Jeff Ellis compares roster strengths, pitching rotations, and the impact of key injuries like JP Crawford and Bryce Miller on Seattle’s squad. Insightful player-by-player breakdowns, questions about Rhys Hoskins’ consistency, and projections for Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana round out the episode. Can Cleveland capitalize on their health advantage and prove the doubters wrong this season?

00:00 "Roster Moves and Player Strategy"

04:17 "Rodriguez's Swing and MLB Potential"

08:39 "Guardians' Logical Move Analyzed"

14:35 "Missed Potential in Baseball Drafts"

17:00 "Draft Trends and Misses"

26:13 "Cleveland Gains Competitive Edge"

27:36 "Mariners' Platoon and Lefty Edge"

31:53 "Blitzer's 2027 Ownership Option"

34:15 "Guardians Deserve More Credit"

37:08 "Baseball's Back, Go Guardians!"

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Turbo Tax

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Robinhood

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Indeed

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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

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#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

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Mets and Dodgers gear up for a potential NL Pennant showdown? Which loaded roster has the edge? National League MVP and Cy Young frontrunners—Shohei Ohtani and Paul Skenes—may rewrite the record books, while the Cubs, Phillies, Brewers, and Pirates battle for playoff spots. Surprising predictions challenge the “loser” label on Pittsburgh, and bold takes on rotations and clubhouse chemistry shake up the NL landscape.

Jeff Ellis and Justin Lada unpack AL power shifts with Blue Jays, Yankees, and Orioles fighting for supremacy, and the Mariners singled out as the lone AL West playoff team. Is Bobby Witt Jr. primed for an MVP run, and will Tarik Skubal secure a Cy Young three-peat? Award races, rookie standouts like Kevin McGonigle and Carson Benge, and the fate of the Royals and Guardians is also discussed. It's our 2026 MLB predictions on Locked On Guardians.

04:44 Phillies Over Mets for Now

06:39 Brewers' Pitching Powers Playoffs

10:54 Ohtani MVP, Awards Preview

15:32 Leaning Toward Wetherholt

17:20 Bichette's Impact and Team Depth

24:44 Judge's Postseason Struggles

28:06 Mariners' Edge for Playoffs

30:42 Team Ownership Issues

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

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#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

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Cleveland Guardians gear up for a make-or-break 2026 as rising stars Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana aim to bring development and a playoff push. Can the Guardians’ youth movement overcome the Detroit Tigers' pitching juggernaut and claim the AL Central crown? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis give their bold predictions on team win totals, breakout candidates like Joey Cantillo and Parker Messick, plus potential disappointments including David Fry. The hosts weigh in on José Ramírez’s milestone chase, Steven Kwan’s Gold Glove chances, and the long-awaited arrivals of pitching phenoms Daniel Espino. With hot takes on Bo Naylor’s bat, Bazzana’s promotion timeline, and the Guardians’ offensive surge, this episode is a rapid-fire, fan-driven look at Cleveland’s keys to contention in 2026.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.