The 2026 MLB season is still just a few days old. That’s an important consideration when it’s time to make assessments or draw conclusions about certain situations and developments. Still, go tell Cleveland Guardians’ fans not to be excited about their rotation. You wouldn’t, right?
The unit has been one of the best in MLB, with a 2.77 ERA that ranked second in the majors before Wednesday’s games. Only the New York Yankees (2.14) had a lower mark.
On Wednesday, the Guardians lowered that mark even more thanks to Joey Cantillo’s excellent outing against the Kansas City Royals in the 10-2 win. The left-hander allowed two runs, but only one earned, in 5.2 innings of work, surrendering three hits and two walks while striking out nine.
Cantillo, one of the Guardians’ breakout performers last year, now has a 2.45 ERA. The entire staff has been out of this world, and the numbers don’t lie.
“The Guardians’ SP to start the year: Gavin Williams: 2.04 ERA, Tanner Bibee: 3.29 ERA, Joey Cantillo: 2.45 ERA, Parker Messick: 0.82 ERA, Slade Cecconi: 5.23 ERA (one bad defensive inning). Absolutely DIALED in,” @JRamEnjoyerr posted on X.
The Guardians’ SP to start the year
Gavin Williams: 2.04 ERA
Tanner Bibee: 3.29 ERA
Joey Cantillo: 2.45 ERA
Parker Messick: 0.82 ERA
Slade Cecconi: 5.23 ERA (one bad defensive inning)Absolutely DIALED in. pic.twitter.com/QhXROmTnnm
— Jose Ramirez Enjoyer (@JRamEnjoyerr) April 8, 2026
Bibee has battled some early-season shoulder woes but has still managed to post a rock-solid 3.29 ERA in 13.2 frames, with a 24.1 percent strikeout rate. The Opening Day starter wants to prove he can be a frontline starter and is off to a good start.
Williams’ main problem has been walks, just like last year when he led the league in that stat. With a 2.04 ERA and a 37.3 percent strikeout rate, however, he has gotten out of his own jams and then some.
Messick has been perhaps the most surprising member of the rotation, and the only one with an ERA below 1.00. He has been absolutely amazing and has solidified his place in the staff with surgical command and surprisingly good stuff.
Cantillo dazzled on Wednesday and continues to impress, while Cecconi was incredible in his last turn, leaving behind a rough first start. There isn’t much in terms of quality depth, with Logan Allen and Daniel Espino as the most interesting names, but Cleveland is riding a red-hot rotation to the top of the AL Central.
NEXT: Angel Martinez Has Big Day In Guardians Win Over Royals
