Here's what the Cleveland Guardians' rotation could look like at the start of the 2026 MLB season.
Unlike last offseason, the Cleveland Guardians aren’t piecing together their rotation for the 2026 season. In fact, GM Mike Chernoff recently said the organization feels good about this group for years to come.
Coming out of MLB’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, here is one prediction for what the Guardians’ rotation could look like at the start of the 2026 season.
- Gavin Williams
- Tanner Bibee
- Slade Cecconi
- Parker Messick
- Logan Allen
There aren’t a ton of surprises with this group, but let’s still take a look at some of the key takeaways from this projection.
Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee
The two pitchers who are a lock to be in Cleveland’s rotation are Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee. Williams is in line to have a breakout season, and Bibee had a strong finish, which should encourage the organization heading into next season.
We’ll see who ends up being the Opening Day starter, but it’ll likely be one of these two.
Slade Cecconi, Parker Messick, Logan Allen
The next three spots in Celveland’s rotation aren’t a lock, but Slade Cecconi, Parker Messick, and Logan Allen are in line to fill out those three spots.
Cecconi showed he could be a quality starter, Messick was sensational down the stretch for the Guardians, and Allen was arguably the most consistent pitcher in Cleveland’s rotation last season.
This is the group that could get shaken up if Cleveland decides to trade from their rotation depth, which could quickly be affected, but there are no indications as of now that that’s the route the Guardians are going to take.
Where’s Joey Cantillo?
We know the Guardians can’t go into the regular season with a six-man rotation. We also based on Stephen Vogt’s comments at Winter Meetings that Cleveland is still looking for more bullpen help.
Perhaps throughout the season, Cantillo will find his way back into Cleveland’s rotation. However, considering what the team needs right now, and Cantillo started last season in the bullpen with some success in that role, it would make sense for the lefty to begin 2026 in a similar spot.