The Cleveland Guardians will open the 2026 season on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m.

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians enter the 2026 MLB season chasing a third straight AL Central title, but questions remain as to whether their offense can support the club’s elite pitching.

Cleveland’s biggest offseason move was locking up superstar third baseman José Ramírez to a $175 million, seven-year contract extension. Ramírez hit .283 with 44 stolen bases in 2025, carrying the offense while the rest of the lineup struggled.

The Guardians will begin the 2026 season on the road, taking on the Seattle Mariners in a four-game series. Thursday’s season opener has a start time of 10:10 p.m. 

On Friday, April 3, the Guardians will be at Progressive Field for their home opener against the Chicago Cubs. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Guardians season ahead of Opening Day: 


2026 Cleveland Guardians Opening Day Roster


Pitchers

Projected Starting Rotation

Tanner BibeeGavin WilliamsSlade CecconiJoey CantilloParker Messick

Shawn ArmstrongConnor BrogdonMatt FestaTim HerrinColin HoldermanPeyton PalletteErik SabrowskiCade SmithHunter Gaddis (15-day Injured list)Andrew Walters (15-day injured list)


Catchers

David FryAustin HedgesBo Naylor


Infielders

Gabriel AriasRhys HoskinsCJ KayfusKyle ManzardoJosé RamírezBrayan RocchioDaniel Schneemann


Outfielders

Chase DeLauterSteven KwanAngel MartínezGeorge Valera (10-day injured list)


Cleveland Guardians betting odds

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of March 24.  

Odds of winning the 2026 World Series: +7,000Odds to win the 2026 American League Pennant: +2,500Odds to win the 2026 American League Central: +425Odds of making the playoffs: +230


3 storylines to watch for 


1. Can Ramírez Carry the Offense Again?

Cleveland’s biggest offseason move was signing José Ramírez to a $175 million, seven-year contract extension. Ramírez remains the cornerstone of the Guardians’ lineup, but relying on one player is risky.

In 2025, Ramírez hit .283 and stole a career-high 44 bases while the rest of the lineup struggled. Cleveland ranked near the bottom of several offensive categories, and aside from Ramírez, few hitters consistently produced.

With no major acquisitions, the team must rely on internal growth from players like Steven Kwan, who moves from left to center field, and the next wave of young bats to avoid another offense-lagging season.


2. Young Hitters Must Step Up

The next wave of Cleveland hitters is largely unproven but expected to fill the gaps around Ramírez and Kwan. Top prospects include Chase DeLauter, George Valera and 2024 first-overall pick Travis Bazzana — who will start the season at Class AAA Columbus.

DeLauter made his MLB debut in the 2025 AL Wild Card Series against Detroit, showing flashes of potential. Valera is expected to get significant playing time in right field after he returns from injury and catcher Bo Naylor, following mechanical swing adjustments in late 2025, is projected as a breakout offensive force.

The central question is which of these young bats will become the consistent force capable of supporting Ramírez and carrying the middle of the order?


3. Elite Pitching With Health Questions

Cleveland’s rotation remains the team’s strength, anchored by Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee. Bibee has been announced as the Opening Day starter in Seattle. 

Both are among baseball’s top young arms, but health and durability will be key after heavy workloads in previous seasons.

The bullpen, once led by closer Emmanuel Clase, needed to be strengthened this offseason after Clase became unavailable due to a betting scandal. The team signed veteran relievers Shawn Armstrong, Collin Holderman and Connor Brogdon to provided much needed depth. 

Hunter Gaddis, a bullpen pillar, begins the season on the injured list with a sore right forearm. Cade Smith is once again expected to close. The depth in relief arms gives Cleveland a buffer, but the rotation and bullpen must maintain consistency if the offense struggles.