The Cleveland Guardians will start their postseason journey on Saturday. The foe will be the pesky Chicago White Sox, who narrowly won the season series 7-6 and challenged the Guards for the AL Central title until the last weekend.
Manager Stephen Vogt and the organization in general revealed the roster for the AL Division Series against Chicago on Saturday morning. It’s a well-balanced, talented unit that can compete with anybody.
The Guardians have earned the chance to make a deep postseason run, but the road won’t be easy. The organization and fans, of course, hope that the following 26 players can get past Chicago and win a ticket to face the winner of the Tampa Bay Rays – New York Yankees series.
Here is the Guardians' ALDS roster pic.twitter.com/ve00gP07mn
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) October 3, 2026
The only mild surprise is the exclusion of versatile swingman Slade Cecconi, who is capable of giving the team multiple innings out of relief and starting in an emergency. The Guardians hope that’s not the case, though, which is why leaving him out makes some sense.
Instead, Vogt saved a spot for Shawn Armstrong, who recently overcame a calf issue and looked good in his return to action. When the veteran righty is healthy and in form, he can be a difference-maker in the late-inning bullpen mix.
Vogt basically went with the same roster that finished the regular season, with the exceptions of Cecconi and starter Austin Peterson.
Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges are one of the most underrated catching pairings in the postseason, and they will continue to lead a talented pitching staff and contribute some occasional power. Angel Genao and Daniel Schneemann made the roster as utility infielders behind starters Nathaniel Lowe, Travis Bazzana, Brayan Rocchio, and Jose Ramirez.
Vogt is taking six outfielders: Chase DeLauter, Steven Kwan, and Jo Adell are unquestioned starters. David Fry, listed at the position but capable of playing all around the diamond, will play against lefties, and Petey Halpin and Angel Martinez will also have prominent roles.
So far, Parker Messick and Gavin Williams have been announced as the starters for Games 1 and 2. Beyond them, Vogt has Tanner Bibee, Foster Griffin, and Joey Cantillo at his disposal as starting pitchers.
The bullpen, a top unit, is comprised of Armstrong, Daniel Espino (who could be an opener), Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis, Erik Sabrowski, Tim Herrin, and closer Cade Smith.
NEXT: 2 Guardians Players Key To Beating The White Sox
