The Cleveland Guardians have a well-earned reputation as an organization that knows how to develop pitchers. With longtime coach Carl Willis a key figure in that effort, the Guardians have produced more than their fair share of AL Cy Young Award winners.
Cory Kluber was a two-time winner with the franchise, earning the honor in 2014 and 2017. Now, he is on hand to help Willis with the next in line.
Hired during last season, Kluber is in his first spring training in his coaching role, and he is having a big influence on the Guardians’ young staff.
“He’s back for a second season as a special advisor to the team’s pitching department. Kluber’s credentials — a pair of Cy Young awards, a no-hitter, one of the most decorated careers as a starter in team history — have Guardians pitchers gravitating to him for guidance. What impresses pitching coach Carl Willis is how Kluber picks the right times to offer input,” Zack Meisel wrote.
With all of Cleveland’s potential starters between the ages of 25 and 27, it may be easier for them to talk to the 39-year-old Kluber than to the 65-year-old Willis about certain things. Also, Kluber pitched in the majors as recently as the 2023 season for the Boston Red Sox, so he has a perspective other coaches on the staff may not.
Interestingly, Kluber’s best years with Cleveland were when Willis was away from the franchise. The veteran coach worked under manager Eric Wedge from 2003 through 2009, then returned in 2018 under Terry Francona before staying on under current manager Stephen Vogt for the past two seasons. During those stints, CC Sabathia (2007), Cliff Lee (2008) and Shane Bieber (2020) were Cy Young winners. When Kluber finished third in the voting in 2016, Willis helped Rich Porcello win the award with the Red Sox.
Entering the 2026 season, Gavin Williams has the best chance to become Cleveland’s latest honoree. He emerged as the ace of the staff last year and has the potential to be one of the American League’s elite pitchers if he can continue on that trajectory.
He is likely to lead a five-man rotation that has six worthy contenders. That includes Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen and Parker Messick, who each distinguished themselves down the stretch in 2025.
Now, Kluber and Willis will try to get the best out of them this season, starting from the very first pitch of the campaign.
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