Getty
Cleveland Guardians’ first baseman Kyle Manzardo
The Cleveland Guardians pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, AZ, on Thursday, Feb. 12, marking another checkpoint before the start of Opening Day. The Guardians are heading into the 2026 season looking for a three-peat as American League Central Division Champions. They came back from 15.5 games in 2025 to shock the Detroit Tigers and the baseball world to win the division. It is the largest margin to come back from to win a division in MLB history.
That said, what could the Opening Day roster look like for manager Stephen Vogt and the Guardians to begin the 2026 season?
Guardians Infield (Possibly) for Opening Day 2026
GettyCleveland Guardians’ first baseman Kyle Manzardo
On Monday, Feb. 9, MLB.com’s Guardians beat writer Tim Stebbins projected what could be the Opening Day roster for Cleveland against the Seattle Mariners on March 26. When looking at the roster, especially with the minimal amount of moves this offseason, Stebbins more than likely projected correctly.
Regarding the infield, it won’t be a shocker to anyone that José Ramírez will be the third baseman on Opening Day. The question Stebbins brought up is: Who will be his backup? When looking at the projected roster, the best-case scenario is Daniel Schneemann, who can play third base, along with second, shortstop, and the outfield. Schneemann is one of the super-utility guys that Vogt used a ton in 2025. There is a world where he could be relied upon again to give Ramírez the day off, or when he is slotted as the DH.
In terms of first base, if no one else is added from free agency or via a trade, expect Kyle Manzardo to get most of the reps. The hope is that he takes a step overall, but more importantly, against left-handed pitchers. He is only 25 years old and is still showing signs of a high ceiling. Regarding his backup, or possibly platoon partner, there is a chance fans could see CJ Kayfus playing first base, and even DH if need be. While he is also a left-handed hitter, he showed flashes of potential as well. Plus, he can play in right field for Vogt in certain games this season.
The middle infield will more than likely be Brayan Rocchio (second) and Gabriel Arias (shortstop). However, Stebbins did mention that with Travis Bazzana and Juan Brito being so close to a call-up, those positions could possibly change at some point. Plus, Arias can play some third base as well. Finally, catchers will be Bo Naylor, Austin Hedges, and David Fry. Luckily for the Guardians, having Fry back as the third catcher, plus a corner infielder/outfielder, will give some flexibility to the roster as the season progresses.
Manning the Outfield
GettyCleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan
When it comes to the outfield, there is no question that Steven Kwan will be the everyday left fielder for the Guardians. He is signed for the season after signing a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. The hope is that he gets an extension at somepoint during the 2026 season.
Past that, it’s almost throwing darts at a board and giving up a prayer that something works out for the Guardians. Nolan Jones could see some time in right field and center field this upcoming season, unless someone stands out in center. Regarding center field, the hope is that Chase DeLauter can stay healthy through Spring Training and break out of camp with the Guardians to begin the season in Seattle. He could get some reps in right field as well, but the main hope is that he becomes the everyday guy in center.
The final player who could take the fourth outfield spot is Stuart Fairchild. Fairchild will play for Chinese Taipei in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. It’ll be interesting to see how Fairchild will do at camp for the Guardians, as he is a non-roster invite. If he can show out enough to break camp with the big league club, he will be the fourth right-handed bat on the 40-man roster. It helps that he can play center field if DeLauter and/or Jones struggle.
Taking the Mound…
GettyTanner Bibee
Finally, the pitching. When it comes to the starters, there is a good chance it’ll be the likes of Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, and Joey Cantillo. Cantillo did pitch out of the bullpen in 2025, but his 1.55 ERA in 29 innings in the last month of the season pushed his case to be a starter. Plus, with him being out of options, and Parker Messick having some left, there is a no-brainer of Cantillo staying with the Guardians over Messick, who could be starting the season in Columbus.
Regarding the bullpen, this is where the biggest competition will be at camp in Goodyear. Out of eight possible spots, the seven who could be locks are Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Matt Festa, Tim Herrin, and Colin Holderman. Holderman will most likely be a middle innings guy for Vogt, while Smith will be the closer more often than not. There is a chance Smith could swap off with Gaddis to get the former earlier in games if the situation calls for his arsenal sooner.
Out of the one possible spot left in the bullpen, that could come down to Rule 5 Draft Pick Peyton Pallette (Chicago White Sox), non-roster invitees Kolby Allard, Pedro Avila, and Codi Heuer. The last possible option is also Connor Brogdon, but he is also out of options, like Cantillo. If Pallette doesn’t join the Guardians out of camp, he will have to go back to the White Sox. Avila was beloved in Cleveland during the 2024 season as an innings eater. When it comes to the last spot and the five remaining relievers, there is a good chance Avila could be the guy since the Guardians know him well. However, don’t sleep on Allard, who pitched for Cleveland last season and was used a lot as well by the staff.
It’ll be interesting to see who makes the 26-man roster for the Guardians when Opening Day rolls around on March 26 in Seattle. While there may not be a lot of battles in Spring Training, there is a sense that this team will be looking for magic once again. They will be an underdog to begin the season, but they’ve shown to never be counted out in the AL Central. That said, can the power of friendship work for a third straight year?
Zach Martin Zach Martin is a sports journalist covering the MLB, mainly the Cleveland Guardians and the Boston Red Sox, for Heavy.com. He has over four years of journalism experience, and five years of podcasting experience. He’s a credentialed Carolina Hurricanes beat writer at The Hockey Writers. Zach’s previously covered the Guardians at Covering the Corner, along with the Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds at Fansided. Zach is originally from Ravenna, Ohio, and is now based in Lexington, SC. More about Zach Martin
More Heavy on Guardians
Loading more stories
