The Cleveland Guardians have six legitimate contenders, and possibly a seventh, for five spots in their starting rotation. That means every spring training appearance by each of them will carry some more weight than usual.
Coming off his first full MLB season as a starter, Slade Cecconi is set to make his second appearance of this spring when Cleveland plays the Texas Rangers. He did allow three hits in his first two-inning appearance, but he did not surrender a run.
Prior to this upcoming game, manager Stephen Vogt revealed his honest thoughts about Cecconi, saying the 26-year-old right-hander needs to focus on keeping things simple.
“He was consistent for us. Looking for the same, and growth. Slade grew a lot last year, and for him, sometimes he has to keep it super simple,” Vogt said.
“Slade grew a lot last year, and for him, sometimes he has to keep it super simple.”#Guardians manager Stephen Vogt on what he wants to see from Slade Cecconi in 2026#GuardsBall x @WEWS https://t.co/K4VXORldSa pic.twitter.com/21zKeWeOJy
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) March 2, 2026
The Guardians also want Cecconi to emerge from the exhibition schedule healthy. Last spring training, he suffered an oblique injury that delayed his season debut until mid-May. From there, Cecconi started 23 games and finished with a 7-7 record and a 4.30 ERA over 132.0 innings. He had 109 strikeouts with just 32 walks, but he did allow 24 home runs after giving up 16 homers in just 77.0 innings the season before.
He pitched some excellent games down the stretch in 2025 as the Guardians mounted their historic comeback to win the AL Central. In September, he allowed one hit over eight scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals, and he gave up just two hits in seven shutout frames against the Minnesota Twins.
However, he had some bad outings mixed in as well, giving up seven runs and 11 hits to the Boston Red Sox over 5.1 innings, and allowing four runs in four innings against the Texas Rangers. That is an example of the need for consistency Vogt and the Guardians are seeking.
Along with Cecconi, Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, and Parker Messick all have a strong case to make the rotation. With highly regarded prospect Daniel Espino potentially lurking, Vogt will have some tough decisions to make before Opening Day.
So, the best way for Cecconi to ensure his spot is to pitch well whenever he gets a chance this spring.
NEXT: Jose Ramirez Opens Up About Long-Term Guardians Tenure
