The Cleveland Guardians have a significant spring training battle that will determine a major facet of their team this season. There are six pitchers competing for five spots in the starting rotation, which means someone is going to be left out to start the campaign.
However, those who do make it will have a chance to excel on a club that has won back-to-back AL Central titles. It should be a great opportunity for a few up-and-coming players.
With that in mind, analyst Joel Reuter is naming starter Joey Cantillo as the Guardians’ “biggest breakout pitcher” in 2026.
“Cleveland Guardians: SP Joey Cantillo,” Reuter wrote. “After bouncing between the rotation, bullpen, and Triple-A for much of the year, Cantillo settled into a starting role down the stretch last year and posted a 1.59 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 39.2 innings over his final seven outings. He will need to win a rotation spot this spring, but should have a leg up on Logan Allen, Parker Messick, and others, with legitimate middle-of-the-rotation upside.”
Last season, Cantillo made 30 appearances out of the bullpen in Cleveland’s first 53 games. He was then sent down to stretch out and become a starter, which he had been for most of his minor league career.
He returned in early July and made 13 starts from then until the end of the season. During that time, manager Stephen Vogt went to a six-man rotation to deal with a difficult schedule and the move paid off with a historic rally and playoff berth.
As part of that comeback, Cantillo pitched eight shutout innings in a September victory against the Kansas City Royals. In his next start, he gave up one run in five innings in a win against the Detroit Tigers, who were the team the Guardians were chasing in the division.
Rookie Parker Messick was also excellent during the pennant race, making seven starts after being called up. Allen did not fare as well, so he may have a bit more to overcome to hold on to his spot.
The rotation is expected to be led by Gavin Williams, who had a breakout season in 2025 and could contend for the AL Cy Young Award this year. Tanner Bibee should follow him, with Slade Cecconi also playing a role.
Cleveland added depth to its bullpen this offseason, which should allow Cantillo to remain as a starter from the beginning of the 2026 campaign.
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