The Cleveland Guardians have an elite bullpen.
It was the best in baseball last year and should remain among the top units again in 2025.
The lineup and the rotation have some question marks, though.
Guardians Prospective recently took a look at where the rotation stands right now and could go this season.
“A Guardians top three rotation of Bibee, Bieber and Williams could look really nice by mid-season with a Bieber return, hopefully sooner. Just need 2 or 3 guys to step up to make this a really strong rotation. Allen, Cantillo, Cecconi, Dion, Lively, McKenzie, Means (August), Messick, Nikhazy, Ortiz, Peterson, Webb,” it posted on X.
A #Guardians top three rotation of Bibee, Bieber and Williams could look really nice by mid-season with a Bieber return, hopefully sooner.
Just need 2 or 3 guys to step up to make this a really strong rotation.
Allen
Cantillo
Cecconi
Dion
Lively
McKenzie
Means (August)
Messick…— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 18, 2025
When Bieber returns from his Tommy John surgery recovery (he is ahead of schedule and could come back in May or June), the Guardians should have three excellent arms at the top, with him, Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams.
It’s a matter of finding the right mix to round out the unit.
Of course, Cleveland will need pitchers to step up until Bieber returns.
Luis L. Ortiz, despite inconsistencies this spring, was acquired to be a starter and should be successful in the middle of the rotation.
If the 3.32 ERA he put up last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates represents his floor, the Guardians will take that.
Right now, Logan Allen and Ben Lively are probably deserving of those remaining two spots, but the team probably wants Triston McKenzie there, at least initially.
The righty has an 8.18 spring ERA as he struggles to command his pitches, particularly his breaking ball.
Parker Messick is someone to keep an eye on for the second half, and Doug Nikhazy could be a factor earlier.
The fact is, if Bieber makes a successful return to full health, this unit could have three elite hurlers at the top.
That’s a very nice foundation to have.
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