The Cleveland Guardians may have had a quiet offseason, but everything is bound to pick up with the team standing at the top heading into spring training.
Here are three storylines to start as the team begins to report to Goodyear, with spring training games starting quickly after.
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The Guardians didn’t make any major additions in the offseason, primarily because they wanted to pave the way for young players to continue getting opportunities. With that, all eyes will be on Chase DeLauter, George Valera, CJ Kayfus, Travis Bazzana, and Juan Brito during camp.
Will the group hit the ground running once exhibition games start, or will the rookie growing pains come early?
It’s unfair to put too much pressure on a group with under 162 games of big-league experience, but following this narrative is unavoidable given how the offseason played out.
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Sep 20, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder George Valera (35) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning of game one of a double header at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee are locked to be in the Opening Day rotation. After that, there are some unknowns.
Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, Slade Cecconi, and Parker Messick will all compete for the final three starter spots. Remember, Allen really was considered an option in the rotation this time last year, and he earned a spot with a strong spring. So, anything is possible, and each pitcher can force the organization to make some tough decisions.
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With how solid the six-man rotation was in September last season, who doesn’t make the team out of spring training will be something to watch from the first Cactus League game.
The Guardians and Nolan Jones agreed to a contract to avoid arbitration, and Gabriel Arias will likely see time at different spots across the diamond to be ready for a utility role. However, the pair must earn their spots in Celveland’s future, and that starts this spring.
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Both players are in a similar position: They’re naturally gifted and have shown flashes of potential, but have struggled with consistency while being out of minor league options.
How the duo performs during spring training could be an indicator of what their futures with the team look like.
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