The Cleveland Guardians didn’t bring in any big names at the trade deadline.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean they didn’t get some prime reinforcements when it mattered most.
C.J. Kayfus and Parker Messick each played a big part in their late-season surge, and they’re just getting started.
Fortunately for them, they will still be eligible to win Rookie of the Year next season, so all the experience they got this year will only help their cause.
As pointed out by CLEology, Kayfus ended the regular season eight at-bats shy of the rookie threshold of 130.
As for Messick, he was 10.1 innings shy of the rookie threshold for pitchers (50).
CJ Kayfus ends the the season 8 ABs shy of the rookie AB threshold (130 ABs).
Parker Messick ends the season 10.1 IP shy of the rookie IP threshold (50 Innings).
Both were not on the roster for 45 days prior to SEP 1st.
They will both qualify for AL ROY in ‘26 #GuardsBall
— CLEology (@_CLEology) September 29, 2025
The fact that they came that close to the respective limits despite not being on the roster until August speaks volumes about how important they were once they arrived.
More than that, manager Stephen Vogt will continue to turn to them when he needs them in the playoffs.
Kayfus will most likely start at first base against right-handed pitchers, and Messick could be part of the starting rotation or come out of the bullpen.
The Guardians have a tradition of finding and developing young talent, and their farm system is the gift that keeps on giving.
While everybody raved about prospects Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana, it turned out that Kayfus, Messick, Joey Cantillo and George Valera were the ones the Guardians used down the stretch.
NEXT: Guardians Given Discouraging Outlook For Game 1 Against Tigers
