Cleveland Guardians’ All-Quarter Century Team: Top Players Since 2000

In celebration of the Cleveland Guardians’ wild and winding journey since the turn of the millennium, *The Athletic* just dropped its All-Quarter Century Team. This lineup highlights the franchise’s best players from 2000 to now.

The roster captures two decades of ups, downs, and unforgettable moments. From Hall of Famers to current stars, these are the names that shaped Cleveland baseball.

The All-Quarter Century Guardians Lineup

The team shines a spotlight on Cleveland’s brightest at every position. It’s a blend of stats, heart, and lasting impact—so here’s a look at who made the cut and why they matter.

Victor Martinez: The Backbone Behind the Plate

Let’s start with Victor Martinez, who caught for the Guardians from 2002 to 2009. He brought steady offense, leadership, and a knack for handling pitchers, anchoring the early 2000s lineup.

Jim Thome: A Powerhouse at First Base

Jim Thome only played three full seasons in Cleveland during this stretch, but wow, did he make them count. His 2002 campaign—52 home runs, a franchise record—still feels unreal. Thome’s reputation as a top slugger hasn’t faded, even with limited time in this era.

Middle Infield Greats: Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor

Second base belongs to Jason Kipnis, who won fans over with his hustle and big moments. He stuck around, battled through tough years, and gave everything on the field.

At shortstop, Francisco Lindor—“Mr. Smile”—was a no-brainer. He brought elite defense, clutch hits, and a spark that lit up the whole team. His time in Cleveland was something special, honestly.

José Ramírez: A Third-Base Dynamo

Third base? That’s José Ramírez all the way. A five-time All-Star, he’s become the face of the Guardians lately. Ramírez delivers with the bat and glove, and every season he seems to add another highlight to his resume.

Outfield Excellence: Brantley, Sizemore, and Choo

The outfield trio is a mix of talent and versatility. Michael Brantley stood out for his smooth swing and steady leadership, helping anchor the lineup for years.

Grady Sizemore brought crazy athleticism and power—he was a three-time All-Star before injuries slowed him down. Shin-Soo Choo rounds out the group, known for getting on base and making sneaky-good plays in the field.

Designated Hitter and Pitching Heroes

Let’s not forget the designated hitter and the arms that made Cleveland tough to beat. These picks celebrate the power bats and dominant pitching that defined recent eras.

Travis Hafner: The Thunderous Designated Hitter

“Pronk” Travis Hafner was pure thunder in the mid-2000s. As DH, he mashed homers and drove in runs, carrying the offense during some gritty seasons.

Exceptional Starting Rotation

This pitching staff is stacked with some of the best arms in MLB:

• Corey Kluber: Two Cy Youngs and the ace of recent powerhouse teams.
• CC Sabathia: A true workhorse who dominated before moving on to more glory.
• Cliff Lee: 2008 Cy Young winner, famous for his pinpoint control.
• Shane Bieber: The 2020 Cy Young winner who rocketed to stardom.
• Carlos Carrasco: Loved for his toughness and impact both on and off the field.

Bullpen Dominance

No team gets far without a killer bullpen, and the Guardians have had some nasty relievers. Emmanuel Clase leads the pack—his stuff is electric, and hitters hate facing him.

Backing him up are postseason legends like Andrew Miller and all-time saves leader Cody Allen. That’s a group you want with the game on the line.

A Legacy for the Record Books

The Cleveland Guardians’ All-Quarter Century Team shows off the incredible talent that’s played at Progressive Field and Jacobs Field since 2000.

This roster spans different eras and styles. It highlights both steady greatness and those wild, unforgettable moments that stick with you.

Just thinking about these players brings back a flood of memories. If you ask me, Cleveland’s baseball history still stands tall—no wonder fans are so proud of this city.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Presenting the Guardians’ All-Quarter Century Team, the best in Cleveland since 2000