The Clippers are now 0-1, but there’s still time for us to preview their 2026 season.
The Clippers released a preliminary roster yesterday… we say preliminary because some prominent names were missing. One would assume Logan Allen and Franco Aleman are on hold until more clarity is reached with the Tanner Bibee situation. Pedro Avila, Kolby Allard, Jack Leftwich, Doug Nikhazy, Trevor Stephan, also, should be there eventually. Anyway, here’s what we have so far:
Pitchers:
Tanner Burns, RHP, Jack Carey,
RHP, Will Dion, LHP, Jay Driver, RHP, Magnus Ellerts, RHP, Daniel Espino, RHP, Yorman Gomez, RHP, Matt Jahec, RHP, Jack Jasiak, RHP, Tommy Mace, RHP, Robin Maltrud, RHP, Izaak Martinez, LHP, Jake Miller, RHP, Steven Perez, LHP, and Ryan Webb, LHP.
Analysis:
This is an interesting group, if not particularly exciting aside from the notable exception of Daniel Espino. We will all follow Espino’s attempt to re-establish himself as a pitcher whose talent will be reckoned with by major league hitters sooner rather than later.
Yorman Gomez, Will Dion and Ryan Webb have fifth starter in the big leagues potential (with Gomez seemingly having a good reliever floor) and I haven’t quite given up on groundball artist Tommy Mace, yet. Steven Perez and Magnus Ellerts highlight the non-Aleman/Espino arms to monitor in the bullpen. Avila is, of course, a delight. We will see if Kahl Stephen and Josh Hartle can join this group, soon. I am also interested to see how Allard takes to being stretched out as a starter as rumored to be planned.
Catchers:
Kody Huff, RHH, Cooper Ingle LHH, and Dom Nunez, RHH.
Analysis:
This group is all about Ingle. Can he improve behind the plate and continue his excellence in contact and plate discipline while getting to more of his power? That’s what we need to watch with this group. If Bo Naylor is having a great season, Ingle could even land a whale in July if needed if he is performing well…
Infielders:
Travis Bazzana, LHH 2B, Juan Brito, SH 2B/3B/1B, Milan Tolentino, LHH SS/3B, Dayan Frias, SH 3B/SS.
Analysis:
Obviously, this is all about Bazzana and him realizing his potential, as well as Brito showing enough to get his shot (three hits including two doubles in game one). But, Tolentino and Frias should be good depth pieces.
Outfielders:
Stuart Fairchild, RHH OF, Petey Halpin, LHH CF, Nolan Jones, LHH OF, and Kahlil Watson, LHH CF.
Analysis:
I am very happy Fairchild ended up in Columbus. His presence will put pressure on Angel Martinez to stop swinging at pitches in the other batter’s box. Watson had a breakout 2025 and looked great in Spring Training and may make himself an option this season. Halpin and Jones are good depth pieces to have. One would expect Wuilfredo Antunez will join this group soon, also.
Columbus should be a fun group to follow as we enjoy seeing a strong Guardians farm system continue to develop.
Which players are catching your eye as the Triple-A season starts? Tell us in the comments below:
