The Cleveland Guardians’ rotation should be all set. Even though they could use another arm in case of emergency, they might have an answer right in front of them.
Left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo answered the call more often than not last season. Even when he was demoted back to the minors, he got to work and was as sharp as ever once he got the nod again.
As shown by Guardians Prospective on X, the young southpaw was actually one of the best hurlers in the game to close out the season. He was lights out over his last seven starts.
From 8/9/25 until the end of the season, Cantillo ranked first in ERA (1.59) among American League starters. He was also 10th in FIP (3.21) and average allowed (1.93), 12th in WHIP (1.01), and 14th in fWAR (1.0).
Cleveland #Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo finished the 2025 season on a strong note over his last seven starts.
Cantillo's rankings amongst American League starters from 8/9/25 to the end of the season.
1) ERA 1.59
10) FIP 3.21
10) AVG .193
12) WHIP 1.01
14) fWAR 1.0— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 30, 2025
While the sample size was rather limited, there’s no reason to believe that was a fluke or that it won’t carry over to next season. He has some strong stuff, and he should be a primary part of Stephen Vogt’s rotation right out of the gate. Along with fellow rookie Parker Messick, he proved to be made for the big moment.
The Guardians got by just fine without Shane Bieber last season, but there was always the hope that he would ultimately make his season debut. That’s not the case this time, and while it’s too early to say that Cantillo can be the team’s ace, he certainly showed the potential to be in the conversation.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Guardians' Potential 2026 Lineup
