GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Peyton Pallette visited Progressive Field in January, one month after the Guardians selected him from the White Sox in the Rule 5 Draft. When he stepped out onto the playing surface, it was easy for him to dream of the possibilities.
Pallette's dream is about to come true. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt informed him earlier this week that he had made Cleveland’s Opening Day roster.
“It was a relief,” Pallette said on Friday. “It's a dream come true. But also, there’s still a job to do. So I’ve still got to stay locked in and realize that it's still baseball, but it's just a bigger stage.”
Pallette earned this when nothing about his status was certain. Had the 24-year-old not made the Guardians’ Opening Day roster, they would have had to place him on outright waivers, and offer him back to the White Sox if he cleared.
There’s potential pressure that comes with that territory, including for a guy who has not pitched above Double-A. The Guardians told Pallette from the start to be himself and have fun on the mound.
“That really kind of just hit home for me," Pallette said. "It was just like, ‘You know what, just go out there, be yourself, have fun, and just throw the baseball.’ Looking back over camp now, that's all I feel like I've done.”
Pallette made his spring debut on March 3; he was delayed early on by some right shoulder fatigue. Through five appearances, the 24-year-old has thrown six scoreless innings and struck out 11 batters, while allowing just three hits and three walks. His four-seam fastball has averaged 96.9 mph and maxed out at 98.0 mph.
Pallette said he had that type of velocity while he was in college at Arkansas. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, and his ensuing rehab process likely created “some bad habits.” He’s been trying to get back to feeling loose and athletic on the mound, and finally feels like he’s there.
It’s easy to envision Pallette providing some length out of Cleveland’s bullpen. The 2025 season was his first as a full-time reliever, and he logged a 4.06 ERA in 64 1/3 innings over 52 appearances between High-A and Double-A in the White Sox system.
Pallette was with his wife, Jordyn, and her sister, Taylor, when he learned the Guardians selected him in the Rule 5 Draft three months ago. He called Jordyn this week after he learned he made Cleveland’s roster. She’s 31 weeks pregnant, and the two are thrilled to have some peace of mind knowing where they'll be to start the season.
“It was just a big relief overall for everybody,” Pallette said.
Gaddis likely to open on IL
Elsewhere in the bullpen, Vogt acknowledged Friday that dependable setup man Hunter Gaddis is “highly likely” to open the season on the injured list, along with George Valera (left calf strain).
“Obviously, we haven't made the official moves yet,” Vogt said. “But very likely that they’ll both start the year on the IL.”
Gaddis has made one Cactus League appearance, on Feb. 27. He had some right forearm tightness coming out of that outing, and imaging came back clean. He has been going through a throwing progression.
Gaddis threw a bullpen session on March 12 and on Sunday. He threw live batting practice on Wednesday and is set to throw in a Minor League game on Saturday. He’s continued to take positive steps, but the Guardians aren’t going to risk anything by rushing him.
The Guardians’ bullpen picture includes closer Cade Smith, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Tim Herrin, Matt Festa and Pallette. There are two spots up for grabs, with contenders such as Colin Holderman, Connor Brogdon, Codi Heuer and Kolby Allard.