GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The start of Cactus League play ushered in the Guardians' most substantial lineup acquisition of the winter. Cleveland signed first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a Minor League deal, a move that could impact the Opening Day roster in multiple ways.
With that in mind, let's refresh our educated guess at what the Guardians' initial 26-man roster could look like ahead of their March 26 opener in Seattle.
Catcher (3): Bo Naylor, Austin Hedges, David Fry
This is a familiar group, with one key update this year. Fry will return to playing the field after he was limited to DHing in 2025 while he recovered from Tommy John surgery. The Guardians missed his versatility as a third catcher and the flexibility it provides them in moving pieces around in a given game.
First base (2): Kyle Manzardo, Rhys Hoskins
Manzardo prepared his body physically for an increased workload at first base. The addition of Hoskins adds a new wrinkle to this mix. The 32-year-old stands to serve as Manzardo’s right-handed complement at first, which otherwise would have been Fry, while also factoring into the designated hitter rotation.
Second baseman (1): Brayan Rocchio
Manager Stephen Vogt noted in December he imagined the Guardians’ middle-infield mix would open similar to how it ended in 2025 -- with Rocchio at second and Gabriel Arias at short. Those spots are subject to evolution. Travis Bazzana (ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 20 overall prospect) and Juan Brito (Cleveland’s No. 14 prospect in ‘25) are on the cusp of reaching the Majors, and both play second.
Shortstop (1): Gabriel Arias
Rocchio will also play shortstop this spring, and Arias will move around the infield some. Arias has played each infield position in the Majors, and he could provide added flexibility if/when the roster features Bazzana and/or Brito.
Third baseman (1): José Ramírez
The main question here is who will back up Ramírez when he gets an off-day or a start at DH. Arias, perhaps?
Outfielders (4): Steven Kwan, Nolan Jones, Chase DeLauter, George Valera
Kwan is in left field (and may add center to his plate, too). The rest of the outfield is unsettled. Jones can play all three spots and is looking to put a tough 2025 campaign behind him. DeLauter (Pipeline’s No. 46 prospect) will get reps in center and right this spring. Provided he’s healthy, it’s easy to dream on how he may help elevate an offense that struggled last year. Kwan sliding over to center on occasion would offer Vogt added flexibility in the corners, with Jones, DeLauter and Valera each candidates to see time in left (and right).
Bench/Utility (1): Daniel Schneemann
There are myriad potential combinations for the position-player mix. CJ Kayfus is well in this roster mix, though his best avenue to the Opening Day roster may be in right field following the addition of Hoskins. Cleveland's flurry of left-handed hitting corner outfield candidates could lead to Kayfus beginning the season with Triple-A Columbus. Angel Martínez, non-roster invite Stuart Fairchild, Johnathan Rodríguez, Petey Halpin and Brito are among those also in the mix. Martínez can play infield and outfield, and his switch-hitting ability could weigh in his favor. The Guardians only have four strictly right-handed hitters on their 40-man roster. But with Kwan as an option in center, Schneemann’s ability to play third base (and second, shortstop and outfield) gives him a leg up in this scenario
Starting Pitchers (5): Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo
The rotation is expected to drop back down to five starters after the Guardians rode a six-man staff to the AL Central title in 2025. Someone will be the odd man out. Parker Messick made a strong impression down the stretch last year, and he’ll certainly factor in at some point. But he has Minor League options remaining and could open the season with Columbus. Cantillo has relief experience, though he was stellar over five starts in September (1.55 ERA in 29 innings). He’s out of options.
Relief Pitchers (8): Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Matt Festa, Tim Herrin, Colin Holderman, Peyton Pallette
This group will feature a lot of competition this spring. Herrin would offer Vogt a second lefty, and Holderman can help in the mid-to-late innings. If Pallette (a Rule 5 Draft pick) doesn’t make the roster, the Guardians will have to offer him back to the White Sox. Other relievers in camp will include Connor Brogdon (who’s out of options), and non-roster invitees such as Kolby Allard, Pedro Avila and Codi Heuer.