Opening Day is quickly approaching. In just over two weeks, the Cleveland Guardians will be taking the field in Seattle for a meaningful game for the first time in 2026.

The organization still has many decisions to make, and many of them are about defensive alignment first. Here are Cleveland’s options in the infield heading into the season. 

Cleveland’s first base picture looked much different at the beginning of camp than it does now, and that directly has to do with the Rhys Hoskins signing.

With the veteran now in the organization, he and Kyle Manzardo look like they’ll be the Guardians’ first base/designated hitting tandem to start the year. Between the two players, they can provide a significant power threat for the Guardians, and they’ll also want Hoskins in the lineup against left-handed pitching.

David Fry is certainly an option to get some time at first base, but the Guardians appear to be planning for him to see a lot of time behind the plate this season, too.

CJ Kayfus was a contender to see reps at first at the beginning of training camp, but with Hoskins’ arrival, it feels like the rookie is headed to Triple-A to start the year. It’s hard to envision Kayfus spending the entire season in the Minors, so he can, and likely will, play some first base at some point throughout the year.

It makes the most sense to group these two positions together, since the candidates and options are so directly tied to one another. 

Heading into Opening Day, Cleveland’s most likely middle infield alignment is the same one that finished last season: Bryan Rocchi at second base and Gabriel Arias at shortstop. 

The question is, how long does this duo last?

At some point, perhaps not too far into the season, Travis Bazzana will be in the picture, and don’t forget about Juan Brito, too. Both of these prospects’ natural position is second base. Their inevitable call-ups would theoretically slide Rocchio over to shortstop, unless Arias takes massive strides at the plate and continues to play incredible defense. 

Cleveland’s middle infield will be two key positions to watch play out as the year unfolds. 

Jose Ramirez.

There’s not much more to say here.

Okay, in fairness, Ramirez won’t play 162 games this season, and he’s bound to get some “days off” as Cleveland’s designated hitter, too.

In that scenario, Daniel Schneemann is the team’s best option defensively at the hot corner. The utilityman appeared at third base 27 times and started 14 times last season.  

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