The Cleveland Guardians don’t have too many certainties in their rotation at the moment.
Their best pitcher, Shane Bieber, is injured, and three of their rotation spots might still be up for grabs.
They do know, however, that Tanner Bibee will be the one tasked with the responsibility of leading the rotation while Bieber is out.
The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will be back at some point in the first half.
In the meantime, Bibee will be the ace.
That label just got a bit stronger and firmer on Wednesday, as the team officially named him the Opening Day starter for the first time in his career.
Earned it.
Bibee's on the bump for Opening Day!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/MQTsXyHyNg
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) March 19, 2025
Bibee showed in his first two seasons in the big leagues that he can be a frontline pitcher.
He made his debut in 2023 with a brilliant 2.98 ERA, then followed that up with a 3.47 ERA last year in 173.2 innings, flirting with 200 strikeouts and finishing with 187.
Bibee has it all: youth, a strong track record in the minors and the majors, top-notch stuff, impeccable command, poise, and mound presence.
He also accumulated some valuable experience in the 2024 postseason.
All things considered, he is the right man for the job and Cleveland lined him up to be perfectly well-rested to face the Kansas City Royals on March 27.
He and Gavin Williams will have to be at the top of their game for the Guardians to be in the race by the time Bieber is ready to return.
The Guardians are 100 percent confident in their young arms and are willing and happy to give Bibee the Opening Day gig.
NEXT: Guardians Second Base Candidate Is Finally Coming Into His Own
