The Cleveland Guardians used a six-man starting rotation to deal with a difficult schedule in the second half of last season. The unorthodox move helped them make the playoffs, but it may have created an interesting dilemma for manager Stephen Vogt entering the 2026 campaign.
With each of the six starters proving that he was worthy of a spot, but only five are necessary to begin this season, someone will have to be left out. It is one of the biggest competitions to watch in spring training.
The Guardians have a tough decision looming, with Logan Allen, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi, Parker Messick and Gavin Williams all in the mix.
“The Guardians utilized a six-man rotation that propelled them to the postseason in 2025, but someone will be the odd man out come Opening Day. Cleveland will revert to five starters, from a group featuring Logan Allen, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi, Parker Messick and Gavin Williams,” Tim Stebbins wrote.
Williams is expected to be the ace after a breakout 2025 season that included one of the best-pitched games of the season, which was a near no-hitter against the New York Mets. The right-hander could emerge as a contender for the AL Cy Young Award.
Allen, Bibee and Cecconi were mainstays last season, with each of them starting at least 23 games. Cantillo made 13 starts after 21 appearances coming out of the bullpen.
Messick proved to be a real surprise after his late-season promotion from the minor leagues. He had some of the best overall statistics in the American League over his seven starts, including two key performances in September as the Guardians rallied to overtake the Detroit Tigers and win the AL Central with a historic comeback.
Based on Cantillo’s experience as a reliever, the easiest solution could be to put him back in that role and be ready to step up if someone falters or is injured. Otherwise, Messick may be sent back to the minors so his development as a starting pitcher can remain on track.
“It’s going to be a really hard decision, whatever we end up doing,” Vogt said. “There’s going to be a very heavy competition, and they’re all excited for it. You saw the look on their faces, that they’re ready for it.”
Cleveland had just 10 pitchers start a game in 2025, including Luis Ortiz before he was lost to an MLB gambling investigation. That is a relatively low number in today’s game.
So, whoever does get the call is likely to hold on to that job for as long as they are getting results.
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