For an MLB team to have a chance at being successful and achieving its objectives, it needs either impressive starting pitching depth or extremely good luck avoiding injuries. The 2026 Cleveland Guardians, you can say, have been a solid club with their 47-42 record so far. They lead the AL Central, after all.
Their rotation isn’t particularly deep, as Logan Allen is the only pitcher currently in the organization capable of being a solid MLB starter beyond the top five. However, the Guardians have enjoyed some rare good luck, as Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick, Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi have all remained healthy as of early July.
None of them has had to spend time on the injured list. Bibee did have to deal with a shoulder issue earlier in the season, but he didn’t miss more than a few days.
In fact, those five are the only ones who have started games for the Guardians this year, proof of how durable they are.
“The Cleveland Guardians’ starting rotation is the only starting rotation in baseball that has not changed this year, which is great to see. It’s the only starting five that’s been relatively healthy as well. We haven’t seen these guys really waver much,” analyst Cade Cracas said.
The Guards have only used 5 starting pitchers all season. #GuardsBall@CracasCade speaks to the durability of the unit. pic.twitter.com/pGhBEyiJXN
— BIGPLAY Cleveland (@BIGPLAYcle) July 3, 2026
The guys discussing the matter jokingly said “knock on wood” when Cracas explained the incredible run of good health enjoyed by Williams, Messick, Bibee, Cantillo and Cecconi. On top of that, most of them have been solid this year.
Messick has a 2.85 and is an All-Star candidate, Williams boasts a 3.89 ERA, and Cantillo is at 3.86. Bibee is sporting a 3.69 ERA, and Cecconi’s is at 4.44.
The Guardians know that if any of them were to miss significant time, they have Allen waiting in the wings. Any further injuries, however, would represent a big problem.
That’s why it would be a good idea for Cleveland to take a good look at the trade market and bring in someone who could add some depth to this group. It doesn’t have to be a star, just a competent, inexpensive pitcher who can take the ball every five days and keep the team in games.
NEXT: Steven Kwan Says Guardians Could Be Taking Key Unit For Granted
