The Cleveland Guardians are looking ahead to spring training and are making the necessary moves to get ready. Among those is assigning jersey numbers to some newcomers.
Though the Guardians haven’t made a headline-grabbing acquisition this offseason, they have done plenty of work bolstering the depth of the organization. That includes adding multiple relievers to fortify their bullpen.
In addition, there are several non-roster invitees who could compete for spots on the Opening Day roster. If not, they could be sent to the minors to be available when needed.
Insider Arthur Kinney recently made note of the numbers for six of these players.
“I just noticed that jersey numbers have been announced for the Guardians NRIs: 17 – Stuart Fairchild, 40 – Carlos Hernandez, 75 – Dayan Frias (yes, I realize that’s also Connor Brogdon’s #), 76 – Wuilfredo Antunez, 79 – Cameron Barstad, 94 – Steven Perez,” Kinney wrote on X.
I just noticed that jersey numbers have been announced for the Guardians NRIs:
17 – Stuart Fairchild
40 – Carlos Hernandez
75 – Dayan Frias (yes, I realize that's also Connor Brogdon's #)
76 – Wuilfredo Antunez
79 – Cameron Barstad
94 – Steven Perez@TrainiaxCLE— Arthur Kinney (@ArthuronSports) December 24, 2025
Fairchild and Antunez are outfielders; Hernandez, Frias and Perez are pitchers; and Barstad is a catcher. Fairchild and Hernandez have major league experience, while the others are from the Guardians’ minor league system.
Coming off back-to-back AL Central titles and playoff appearances, and with many of those same players returning, there may not be much opportunity to make the team. In addition, several young prospects are expected to contribute to the Guardians as well.
Among those are outfielders George Valera and Chase DeLauter, and infielder Travis Bazzana. Valera was called up late last season and helped Cleveland make a historic rally to win the division, and DeLauter made his MLB debut in the AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers.
Bazzana, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is expected to join them this season.
NEXT: Stats Show How Clutch The Guardians Were In 2025
