Here’s the Guardians’ Spring Breakout roster (Thu., 2 p.m. ET)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Kyle Manzardo started at first base for the Guardians in the inaugural Spring Breakout in 2024. Last year, CJ Kayfus followed in his footsteps, while lefty Parker Messick was Cleveland’s starting pitcher.

For the third straight year, Guardians fans will get an up-close look at the organization’s rising talent via Spring Breakout. Cleveland’s future stars will face off against top prospects from the Angels organization on Thursday in the annual prospect showcase game.

Here is everything you need to know about the Guardians’ 2026 Spring Breakout game.

What is Spring Breakout?

In 2026, MLB Spring Breakout will again be a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future -- the current stars of Minor League Baseball – in 16 exhibition games played between teams composed of each MLB organization’s top prospects. The third edition will be held from Thursday through Sunday at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training.

In 2027, Spring Breakout will be expanded into a single-elimination tournament format, with champions being crowned in both the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues.

When is the Guardians’ game?

The Guardians and Angels’ prospects will square off on Thursday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

How can I tune in?

MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB App, Gameday

Notable position players

The Guardians’ position player pool includes three of their top six prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 list: shortstop Angel Genao (No. 3 prospect, No. 66 overall), first baseman Ralphy Velazquez (No. 4, No. 89) and catcher Cooper Ingle (No. 6, No. 99).

Among other position players, there is 2025 first-round Draft pick Jace LaViolette (No. 9 prospect) and second-round selection Dean Curley (No. 14). Outfielders include Juneiker Caceres (No. 11), Jaison Chourio (No. 12) and big league camp standout Kahlil Watson (No. 15).

The roster does not include Travis Bazzana (Cleveland’s No. 1 prospect, No. 20 overall), who was in camp as a non-roster invitee this spring. Chase DeLauter (No. 2, No. 46) is also not included; he is set to claim a spot on the Guardians’ Opening Day roster.

Notable pitchers

Braylon Doughty (the Guardians’ No. 8 prospect) and Joey Oakie (No. 10) are among nine pitchers on the Guardians’ roster. Both pitched for Single-A Hill City (formerly Lynchburg) last season. Doughty recorded a 3.48 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings over 22 starts, while Oakie had a 2.22 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings over six starts.

Among other pitchers are Josh Hartle (No. 27) and Yorman Gómez. The Guardians acquired Hartle from the Pirates in the Dec. 10, 2024, trade involving Spencer Horwitz. He had a 2.54 ERA over 24 starts with High-A Lake County and Akron this past season. Gómez was added to Cleveland’s 40-man roster in November after he logged a 2.96 in 27 games (including 15 starts) between Lake County and Akron in '25.

Of note: Parker Messick (the Guardians’ No. 5 prospect, No. 95 overall) is not on the roster given he is vying to make the Opening Day rotation. Neither is Daniel Espino (No. 18), who missed most of the past four seasons due to injuries. The Guardians are being strategic with his ramp-up this spring.

Roster details

Spring Breakout rosters were constructed in two phases in 2026. Clubs initially submit preliminary 40-man player pools on Thursday, March 5, which were then pared down to the official rosters on March 18. The rosters were assembled using MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Prospects lists plus additional prospects submitted by the club.

Gameday roster

PITCHERS (9)
Braylon Doughty, RHP, No. 8
Joey Oakie, RHP, No. 10
Josh Hartle, LHP, No. 27
Yorman Gomez, RHP, NR
Magnus Ellerts. RHP, NR
Matt Jachec, RHP, NR
Jack Jasiak, RHP, NR
Luis Flores, LHP, NR
Matt Wilkinson, LHP, NR

CATCHERS (2)
Cooper Ingle, C, No. 6/MLB No. 99
Jacob Cozart, C, No. 20

INFIELDERS (6)
Angel Genao, SS, No. 3/MLB No. 66
Ralphy Velazquez, 1B/OF, No. 4/MLB No. 89
Dean Curley, INF, No. 14
Gabriel Rodriguez, SS/3B, No. 21
Dauri Fernandez, INF, No. 23
Nolan Schubart, 1B/OF No. 28
Jose Devers, SS, NR
Milan Tolentino, SS, NR

OUTFIELDERS (8)
Jace LaViolette, OF, No. 9
Juneiker Caceres, OF, No. 11
Jaison Chourio, OF, No. 12
Kahlil Watson, OF, No. 15
Alfonsin Rosario, OF, No. 16
Robert Arias, OF, No. 22
Wuilfredo Antunez, OF, NR
Nick Mitchell, OF, NR