The Cleveland Guardians focused on rebuilding their starting rotation this offseason to smooth over an issue that plagued them in last year’s playoffs as their starters consistently failed to go even four innings throughout the postseason, ultimately overworking their dominant bullpen and contributing to their demise in the ALCS to the New York Yankees.
Carlos Carrasco, Matthew Boyd, and Alex Cobb are gone from last year’s rotation, and in their place is a group of new arms competing for a select few spots.
Meanwhile, one analyst has a prediction as to who he believes will win the final rotation spot.
Bally Sports’ Al Pawlowski appeared on Bonus Time with Bruce Drennan on Sunday and when asked who he believes will win Cleveland’s final rotation spot, he agreed with Drennan that if Triston McKenzie is healthy, he is the favorite to win the spot.
“He obviously has the arm, he’s demonstrated that…he definitely has the inside track,” he said.
Who does Al Pawlowski think will get the final spot in the Guards rotation?
"Some questions there Bruce, but they've got a lot of arms and that's good news."
–@AlPawlowski pic.twitter.com/YY59SBNkHA
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) March 2, 2025
Pawlowski also pointed out the potential of Joey Cantillo, saying, “I think he showed a lot last year at the end of the season. He gives you a left-handed look. He continues to improve. I think he’s got great stuff. I think Joey Cantillo can play a big role on this club this year.”
Pawlowski sees the rotation as Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, newcomer Luis Ortiz, and then most likely Ben Lively as the No. 4 with either McKenzie or Cantillo as the fifth starter.
It’s a long season, and it helps to have the depth that the Guardians have, which also includes former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, who could factor in at some point in his return from Tommy John surgery.
Cleveland is shaping up to have another exciting season now that it has a deeper and more talented rotation this year.
NEXT: Guardians Pitching Coach Offers Glowing Report On Rehabbing Star
