The Cleveland Guardians pride themselves on developing pitchers masterfully.
They don’t always spend big on arms; instead developing them through savvy coaching and a smart use of resources.
Despite lacking a true, bona fide ace, Cleveland’s rotation is in good shape heading into the 2026 campaign.
The current options to start games are Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, Parker Messick, Kolby Allard, and Doug Nikhazy.
Austin Peterson, who recently got injured, will join this list when he gets healthy in May or June.
Big league rotations consist of five pitchers in most cases, though.
That means the Guardians have some decisions to make this spring.
Bleacher Report offered their prediction for the five guys who will enter the year in Cleveland’s rotation.
They went with Williams, Bibee, Cecconi, Cantillo, and Allen, in that order.
“The Guardians have a trio of young left-handers vying for the final two spots in their rotation, with Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, and Parker Messick all coming off solid 2025 performances. Cantillo is out of minor league options and a lock for the roster, but he also has the most experience pitching in relief, so there is a door open for Messick if he forces the issue this spring,” Joel Reuter wrote.
Cantillo put up a 3.21 ERA in 95.1 innings last year, sharing time between the rotation and the bullpen.
He was much better as a starter and looks destined to get one of those remaining two spots that Reuter mentions.
Allen, with more big league experience than Messick, is the favorite for the last one, even though the latter was incredible in his rookie 2025 season with a 2.72 ERA in seven outings, all starts.
Messick has a 3.86 ERA in the young Cactus League, but if he takes it up a notch, he can potentially steal away that remaining rotation spot.
The Guardians have options, but injuries can change the picture at any minute.
They are confident that Williams and Bibee can lead the staff after getting valuable experience in the last couple of years.
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