With the 2026 MLB season right around the corner, the Cleveland Guardians are facing crunch time when it comes to finalizing their 26-man roster. Though some decisions have been made for them, either by performance or injury, several key areas have yet to be determined.
With just four spring training games left on the schedule, the organization may construct the roster based more on rules and player development than on anything done on the field from here on out. With the March 26 regular season opener at the Seattle Mariners looming, the organization likely has enough information to come to a conclusion.
The Guardians are still facing three major roster decisions ahead of Opening Day, with one in the outfield and two on the pitching staff.
“Cleveland Guardians decisions left to be made before opening day. Who makes the roster with George Valera heading to IL? OF/1B CJ Kayfus (40-man), OF Stuart Fairchild (Not on 40-man); Who makes the roster with Hunter Gaddis heading to the IL? (Holderman has options remaining). RHP Colin Holderman (40-man), LHP Kolby Allard (Not on 40-man), RHP Codi Heuer (Not on 40-man); Who is the 5th starter? (Both have options remaining). LHP Logan Allen (40-man), LHP Parker Messick (40-man),” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians decisions left to be made before opening day.
Who makes the roster with George Valera heading to IL?
OF/1B CJ Kayfus (40-man)
OF Stuart Fairchild (Not on 40-man)Who makes the roster with Hunter Gaddis heading to the IL? (Holderman has options remaining)…
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 21, 2026
First, Valera’s left calf strain will have him on the injured list to start the season. He was projected to have a starting spot in the outfield, especially after Nolan Jones was optioned to Triple-A after a terrible spring. Now, this injury leaves an opening for Kayfus, who likely would be used more at DH, or Fairchild, a veteran backup who can play all three outfield positions.
Second, the loss of top setup reliever Gaddis to forearm tightness is a significant blow to open the year. With Rule 5 Draft pick Peyton Pallette earning a role with an exceptional spring, that leaves the last bullpen spot to be given to Colin Holderman, Kolby Allard or Codi Heuer, with 40-man roster considerations potentially the deciding factor.
Third, in what has been an ongoing competition throughout camp, the final spot in the starting rotation remains up for grabs. With Joey Cantillo out of options and having to clear waivers to be sent down, that leaves either Logan Allen or Parker Messick facing demotion, at least to begin the season. Messick, a rookie, had much better spring performances than Allen, but the veteran did make 29 starts for Cleveland last year.
These choices are unlikely to make or break the Guardians’ season, but they are important nonetheless, as they want to give themselves the best chance to get off to a good start.
NEXT: Guardians' Rule 5 Draft Pick Reacts To Making Opening Day Roster
