In their own words: 7 Guards on making 1st career Opening Day roster

SEATTLE -- Manager Stephen Vogt relishes each opportunity he has to inform a player they’ve made the Guardians’ Opening Day roster -- even stars such as José Ramírez. It’s a feather in a player’s cap to celebrate Opening Day in the big leagues.

This year, seven Cleveland players made their first career Opening Day roster. And while the club will inevitably have additional guys emerge as key contributors this year, those on the initial 26-man roster have a chance to do something unique.

“We have no idea what's going to happen over the next six months, and you have an opportunity to go wire to wire,” Vogt said before the Guardians’ first game of the season in Seattle. "That's really special.”

A look at the seven players:

Angel Martínez
The Guardians informed Martínez he made the Opening Day roster on Tuesday. They had previously informed him that he tentatively made the team, but they cautioned him that things could change before Opening Day.

Vogt noted Martínez gave him “a big ol’ hug” after the good news.

"Especially with the Spring Training that I was having and didn’t hear any news about it, it was kind of a little tough,” said Martínez, who had a 1.196 OPS over 18 games this spring. “When he told me, it was just a release. That's why the big hug. Kind of like letting him know, like, ‘I'm good to go.’”

Chase DeLauter
DeLauter noted he may have felt a little bit of stress this spring on whether he’d make the roster. He wanted to play well enough and be available physically. He achieved both, and Vogt informed him he made it this past week.

Of course, there was no denying DeLauter -- MLB Pipeline’s No. 46 overall prospect -- a roster spot. He slashed .459/.535/.838 over 14 games this spring.

“It was sick,” DeLauter said of making the roster. “It gave me some chills throughout the body. But I feel ready, feel prepared. It’s just the icing on top of the cake right there.”

Erik Sabrowski
This is Sabrowski’s first Opening Day in the Majors and his second professionally (along with 2024). He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, when the Padres drafted him in the 14th round. He underwent a second Tommy John in ‘21 and missed the entire ‘22 season.

“Just another cool experience to check off the list, right?” Sabrowski said. “I don't discount how special it is. It is a little different having parts of two years now [in the Majors]. For me, it's also just something to be celebrated.”

Sabrowski (who opened 2025 on the injured list) has been dominant since he made his MLB debut on Sept. 4, 2024. He has a career 1.29 ERA in 41 appearances. This Opening Day is special, but there are other goals.

“Eventually, I just want to be here and show that I belong here,” Sabrowski said.

Peyton Pallette
Pallette was one of the Guardians’ coolest stories this spring, making the Opening Day roster as a Rule 5 Draft pick. He first called his wife, Jordyn, who’s 32 weeks pregnant with the news.

“She cried,” Pallette said. “She was like, ‘Let’s call the OBGYN in Cleveland now.'”

Parker Messick
Messick was one of six Guardians pitchers in the mix for a rotation job this spring. Pitching coach Carl Willis first informed him he made the team this past week, and Messick told his parents. They kept it on the down-low initially, until Messick met with Vogt one day later.

Afterward, Messick called his dad, TJ, who announced the news to the rest of the family while Messick’s aunt was hosting a baby shower.

“He was like, ‘Park’s breaking with the team,’ and everybody kind of cheered and was yelling and stuff.” Messick said. “I obviously didn't get to see it, but they told me about it, so everyone was excited.”

CJ Kayfus
Kayfus made his MLB debut on Aug. 2 this past season, but this was his first year in big league Spring Training. He had a strong spring, logging an .855 OPS over 18 games.

“It was a blast,” Kayfus said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better locker room to have my first big league Spring Training. It was a good time.”

Slade Cecconi
Cecconi made his MLB debut on Aug. 2, 2023, with the D-backs, and opened ‘24 in Triple-A for Arizona. The Guardians acquired him ahead of the ‘25 season, and he missed the start of the season due to a left oblique strain.

Cecconi’s Opening Day roster status never appeared in much doubt this spring. He built a good foundation in 2025 and is ready to get Year 2 with Cleveland started.

“It feels good,” Cecconi said. “It’s a marathon. I’m excited to start."