GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One of the overarching lessons Stephen Vogt has gained in his post-playing career (in which he spent one season on the Mariners’ coaching staff before taking over as the Guardians’ manager in November 2023) is how much personnel it takes to get through a season.
“What I've really learned over three years," Vogt said recently, “... is just because you're not on the 26-man [roster] on Opening Day doesn't mean you're not going to make a huge impact on our team at some point this year.”
The Guardians have plenty of roster decisions to make leading up to their March 26 season opener in Seattle. Until then, here is our latest attempt to forecast which group of players will break camp in two weeks.
Catcher (3): Bo Naylor, Austin Hedges, David Fry
The Guardians missed Fry’s presence in 2025 as a third catcher and the flexibility he provides to move pieces around in a given game. He’ll also factor into the designated hitter rotation, and is another option at first-base -- which he’ll begin to play toward the end of camp.
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 primary right-handed complement at first, which otherwise would have been Fry, and will factor into the DH rotation. Hoskins signed a Minor League deal, but it would be a shock if he isn't on the team.
Second baseman (1): Brayan Rocchio
Look for the Guardians’ middle-infield mix to 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. 17 prospect) are on the cusp of reaching the Majors, and both play second.
Shortstop (1): Gabriel Arias
Rocchio is also playing shortstop this spring. Given how Arias has played each infield position in the Majors, he could provide added flexibility once 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? Daniel Schneemann?
Outfielders (4): Steven Kwan, Angel Martínez, Chase DeLauter, George Valera
The Guardians have not officially anointed Kwan their center fielder. But he has been consistently starting there this spring, so it could be trending that way. That could leave DeLauter (Pipeline’s No. 46 prospect) and Valera to handle the corners, and the switch-hitting Martínez (who's had a strong start this spring) could add a right-handed dimension to the mix. The Guardians may have a decision to make on Nolan Jones, whom they reached a one-year, $2 million deal with in November to avoid arbitration. He's out of Minor League options and had a slow start to spring coming off a tough 2025.
Bench/Utility (1): Daniel Schneemann
Schneemann’s ability to play third base (and second, shortstop and outfield) gives him a leg up here. CJ Kayfus is also in contention for a spot, though his best avenue seems to be in right field with Hoskins in the mix. Cleveland's flurry of left-handed-hitting corner outfielders could lead to Kayfus beginning the season with Triple-A Columbus. Jones, non-roster invite Stuart Fairchild, Johnathan Rodríguez, Petey Halpin and Brito are among other candidates still in camp.
Starting Pitchers (5): Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen
Someone will be the odd man out from last season's six-man rotation. Williams and Bibee are at the top, and Cantillo is out of options. Cecconi appears on steady ground after laying a strong foundation last year, though he does have one option remaining. It could be a matter of Allen and Parker Messick. Allen has two options remaining, and Messick has three. Allen's experience could work in his favor, though Messick has impressed this spring and made a strong impression down the stretch in 2025. If he opens at Columbus, he'll factor in at some point.
Relief Pitchers (8): Cade Smith, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Matt Festa, Tim Herrin, Colin Holderman, Connor Brogdon, Peyton Pallette
The Guardians need to see how Hunter Gaddis (right forearm tightness) progresses through his throwing program before making any determination about his Opening Day status. The club has options if the big right-hander needs some extra time -- including offseason additions Holderman and Brogdon (who’s out of options), and non-roster invitees such as Kolby Allard, Pedro Avila, Codi Heuer and Trevor Stephan. If Pallette (a Rule 5 Draft pick) doesn’t make the roster, the Guardians will have to offer him back to the White Sox.