The Cleveland Guardians had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball down the stretch this season.
They proved that they can have a steady rotation with no weak links.
With that in mind, analyst Paul Hoynes predicted that they could start 2026 on a similar note.
Specifically, he believes that Gavin Williams has everything it takes to be one of the most dominant pitchers in the American League next season.
“I think Gavin’s probably going to be an early season Cy Young candidate next year,” Hoynes predicted. “173 punch outs, three walks, .211 batting average against.”
Williams wasn’t expected to be at the top of the rotation this season, but he was arguably the most consistent pitcher on the team.
He was the de facto ace that most people thought Tanner Bibee would be while Shane Bieber was out recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Of course, a lot can happen from now until the beginning of the season.
But with the way he performed down the stretch, Williams could be the Opening Day starter.
Manager Stephen Vogt chose to use a six-man rotation to endure 24 days with as many games played.
Williams, like everybody else, was up to the task and proved to be better than anticipated.
Now, with Bieber traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, and given how Bibee struggled with inconsistency, it’s easy to make a case for Williams to be the No. 1 starter.
Yet, whoever is on the mound can only do so much, so the team needs to get that staff some help at the plate.
NEXT: Guardians Pitcher Emerges As Possible Trade Candidate In Offseason
