Entering the 2026 season, the Cleveland Guardians looked to have more viable starting pitchers than they had spots for them. After using a six-man rotation to close last season, the Guardians had to eliminate one to come up with the five-man group it would use to open this year.
Logan Allen was the odd man out, leaving Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo in those roles. Unfortunately, they have one glaring shortcoming, and the Guardians have been hovering around .500 because of it.
After a rough outing by Williams against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, analyst Cade Cracas revealed a major concern about the Guardians’ pitching staff, and that is the number of home runs they are giving up.
“It really has been that home run ball. That’s hurt a lot of the players on this pitching staff to start the year. Williams is now up to a team-tied-high mark of eight home runs on the campaign. That’s tied with Slade Cecconi. If these guys can stop giving up the deep shot, they’ll be on much better ground,” Cracas said.
The Guards have allowed the fourth most taters in the show this year. #GuardsBall
"If these guys can stop giving up the deep shot, they'll be on much better ground."
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— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) May 11, 2026
The Guardians have allowed 51 home runs in their 42 games this season, which is fourth-most in MLB. The Washington Nationals and Colorado Rockies have allowed the most, with 59 each, and the Houston Astros are third at 54. Those three teams are each below .500.
Cleveland has been able to remain in first place in the AL Central despite its home runs allowed. The Guardians’ offense has produced 40 homers, which ranks 19th, a lineup failing that has also contributed to their mediocre record.
Williams did not give up a home run in Cleveland’s loss to Minnesota, but he did allow five runs for a second straight game. He also gave up six runs on April 24, and he has given up a home run in six of his nine starts. Yet, Cleveland had won six of his first seven before losing his past two.
Bieber has allowed seven home runs this season while going 0-5, Cantillo has given up five, and Messick has the lowest total among Cleveland’s starters with four. Reliever Connor Brogdon, who was signed as a free agent this offseason, was recently designated for assignment after giving up five home runs in 15 appearances out of the bullpen.
Fortunately, this has not hurt the Guardians as much as it could have, but it is unlikely they can make the playoffs if it keeps up.
NEXT: Insider Reveals What Guardians Must Improve In 2026
