With spring training getting underway, that means Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is getting closer. That allows fans and analysts to see how the Cleveland Guardians will approach what they hope will be another very successful season.
The Guardians must consider how many prospects they feel comfortable with in their lineup. Though some seem to have a spot already secured, others may be left out for a bit more time in the minor leagues.
MLB recently projected the Guardians’ Opening Day lineup and starting rotation for the 2026 season, and two significant names were not included: infielder Travis Bazzana and pitcher Parker Messick.
“Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians look to repeat as AL Central champs! Here is their projected Opening Day lineup and rotation,” MLB posted on X.
Lineup:
1. Steven Kwan, LF
2. Chase DeLauter, RF
3. Jose Ramirez, 3B
4. Kyla Manzardo, 1B
5. Bo Naylor, C
6. Gabriel Arias, SS
7. Nolan Jones, CF
8. C.J. Kayfus, DH
9. Brayan Rocchio, 2B
Rotation:
1. Gavin Williams, RHP
2. Tanner Bibee, RHP
3. Logan Allen, LHP
4. Slade Cecconi, RHP
5. Joey Cantillo, LHP
José Ramírez and the @CleGuardians look to repeat as AL Central champs!
Here is their projected #OpeningDay lineup and rotation 👀 pic.twitter.com/FnKiu4sQgs
— MLB (@MLB) February 12, 2026
Despite some offseason projections having Bazzana making his MLB debut right away to start the 2026 campaign, this particular lineup does not include the second baseman. Some doubts have been raised about whether the infielder is ready after making limited minor league appearances due to multiple oblique injuries since he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Rocchio manned the position toward the end of last season as the Guardians rallied to win the AL Central. However, with the team perceived to need better production on offense, Bazzana was seen as the likely candidate to take over.
DeLauter will get his chance after making his MLB debut last postseason. The outfielder is seen as having great offensive potential, and in this case will play right field instead of center field, with returning veteran Nolan Jones there and George Valera on the bench.
As for the starting pitchers, Messick is notably not included after the left-hander excelled following his promotion last season. Manager Stephen Vogt went to a six-man rotation to deal with a difficult stretch of games, and he will not have to do so to begin this season, so Messick looks to be the odd man out right now.
It can be argued that difficult decisions like these are good for a team, because it shows the Guardians have talent and depth that they have to find room for, rather than scrambling to fill positions.
NEXT: Jose Ramirez Gets Disrespected In Latest MLB Projections
