With the calendar turned to 2026, it’s time to offer our first projection of what the Guardians’ Opening Day Roster will be by the end of March.
It’s been a mostly quiet offseason for Cleveland. There may be some notable additions, still, but if things remain mostly status quo, here’s what I expect when the Guardians arrive in Seattle.
Projected Lineup (vs. RHP)
1. Steven Kwan, LF, LHH
2. Chase DeLauter, RF, LHH
3. Jose Ramirez, 3B, SH
4. Kyle Manzardo, DH, LHH
5. C.J. Kayfus, 1B, LHH
6. Nolan Jones, CF,
LHH
7. Daniel Schneemann, 2B, LHH
8. Bo Naylor, C, LHH
9. Brayan Rocchio, SS, SH
Bench:
Austin Hedges, C, RHH
David Fry, C/1B/RF/DH, RHH
Gabriel Arias, SS, RHH
Stuart Fairchild, OF, RHH
Analysis: I have decided that giving Jones $2 million PROBABLY means he is on the team to start, especially with George Valera being given another option. I see Valera and Brito being given an opening stretch in Columbus to get hot, especially as Valera’s good numbers from September aren’t supported by his underlying metrics. I also think Fairchild will manage to beat out Angel Martinez IF Fairchild is healthy, as Martinez also has minor league options.
Rotation:
1. Gavin Williams, RHP
2. Tanner Bibee, RHP
3. Joey Cantillo, LHP
4. Slade Cecconi, RHP
5. Parker Messick, LHP
Bullpen:
Peyton Pallette, RHP
Connor Brogdon, RHP
Tim Herrin, LHP
Matt Festa, RHP
Erik Sabrowski, LHP
Hunter Gaddis, RHP
Shawn Armstrong, RHP
Cade Smith, RHP
Analysis: Chances are, the Guardians will have a pitcher injury (hopefully minor), in which case Logan Allen will be in the rotation (unless he is the injury). If their top six pitchers remain healthy, however, I don’t think the Guardians will deny Messick the chance to have a rotation spot for fear of putting Allen in Triple-A. Allen is amazing depth to have in Triple-A, and should be seen as such if the five starters who are better than he is stays healthy. Pallette is a Rule-5 selection, so, if he looks viable, he should get a shot to start the year. Brogdon doesn’t have an option, so he may stay over Colin Holderman who does have 2 options remaining and can work on whatever the Guardians staff asks him to do for a while in Columbus until he is inevitably needed at some point.
My Ideal Opening Day Roster (only players currently on Guardians’ roster):
1. Steven Kwan LF, LHH
2. Chase DeLauter CF, LHH
3. Jose Ramirez 3B, SH
4. Kyle Manzardo DH, LHH
5. C.J. Kayfus, 1B, LHH
6. Juan Brito 2B, SH
7. George Valera RF, LHH
8. Bo Naylor C, LHH
9. Brayan Rocchio SS, SH
Bench:
Austin Hedges C, RHH
David Fry C/1B/RF/DH, RHH
Daniel Schneemann IF, LHH
Stuart Fairchild OF, RHH
Analysis: If the Guardians aren’t going to make external acquisitions, I want them to lean as heavily as possible into the youth movement. I’d let Brito and Travis Bazzana compete for the second base job and Arias and Schneemann compete for the utility infielder job and may the best man win. I’d give Fairchild a look before ditching him for Angel Martinez if he struggles and keep going down the line. I’d have Cooper Ingle locked a loaded for if Bo disappoints again. If Fry is more July 2024-2025 Fry than 2023-June 2024 Fry, get Johnathan Rodriguez or Ralphy Velazquez in the holster for him by June. If you’re honestly afraid to block players, don’t block them and see what this farm system can do. By the way, I suspect Jones will make it through waivers and the team can, then, get essentially another option year on him, which will be nice depth with Valera and DeLauter somewhat injury prone. Speaking of DeLauter, plan for a lot of load management for him, which will involve seeing Fairchild, and either Schneemann or Arias in centerfield a good bit under this arrangement.
Rotation:
1. Gavin Williams, RHP
2. Tanner Bibee, RHP
3. Joey Cantillo, LHP
4. Slade Cecconi, RHP
5. Parker Messick, LHP
Bullpen:
Pedro Avila, RHP
Connor Brogdon, RHP
Justin Briuhl, LHP
Matt Festa, RHP
Erik Sabrowski, LHP
Hunter Gaddis, RHP
Shawn Armstrong, RHP
Cade Smith, RHP
Analysis: I cheated a little bit here as Briuhl is technically DFA’d, but I think he finds his way back and I like his arm angle/pitch mix on the club, while keeping Herrin as good depth in Triple-A. No offense to Peyton Pallette – I’ll totally buy him if the Guardians keep him – but in this sceanrio, he is returned to the White Sox and Pedro Avila *INNINGS EATER* makes his triumphant return.
What do you think? How do you believe it WILL go for Opening Day and how SHOULD it go? Let me know in the comments below
