The Cleveland Guardians have been waging an interesting and important battle for the final spots in their starting rotation during spring training. But at the top of that unit, they are definitely set.
Gavin Williams somewhat unexpectedly emerged as the ace of the staff early last season, assuming the role in the absence of former AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber. Then, after Bieber was traded following his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Williams performed even better during the pennant race.
After proving he can pitch well in the biggest games, the sky looks to be the limit for Williams, who could contend for the Cy Young Award this season. Though it hasn’t been made official, the right-hander almost certainly will be Cleveland’s Opening Day starter.
With all of that in mind, analyst Bruce Drennan believes the Guardians pitcher can be elite, and his continued development will be enjoyable to watch.
“I think [Gavin Williams] is on the verge of really becoming one of the elite starters in the American League. It’s going to be fun,” Drennan said.
Who will be the Guardians opening day starter? #GuardsBall
"I think he is on the verge of really becoming one of the elite starters."
-Bruce pic.twitter.com/jc2mEpRAcH
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) March 11, 2026
Williams was a first-round pick by the Guardians in the 2021 MLB Draft, but his first two MLB seasons did not live up to that status. He had a 6-15 record in 32 starts, but then went on to make 31 starts in 2025.
The 26-year-old finished with a 12-5 record, a 3.06 ERA, and 173 strikeouts in 167.2 innings, which was more than he had pitched in his first two seasons combined. Despite that, he got better as the season went along, which was particularly important as the Guardians were trying to chase down a playoff berth over the final two months.
He almost pitched a no-hitter against the New York Mets in August, and in September, he did not allow more than two runs in any of his four starts. Then, in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Round, he nearly matched Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before falling short in a 2-1 loss.
Now, with pitching coach Carl Willis also praising Williams as a leader on the young staff, it seems that he is in a perfect position to join the best in the game this season.
NEXT: Guardians Hitter Getting Breakout Buzz For 2026
