The mound can be a place of isolation, especially for a pitcher who happens to be their own worst critic.
Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee is a prime example of this, and it’s something he’s openly talked about the last few years as he navigated his progression through the major leagues, both in terms of his pitch repertoire and how he mentally handled the ebbs and flows of both good and bad outings.
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It’s why he’s looking to Sonny Gray as an example. And it’s why he’s just trying to give himself a break, sometimes.
“I feel like a lot of progress is going to be super linear for me,” Bibee said this spring. “Obviously when stuff’s going good, the big innings are inherently smaller just because it’s going better and you can handle it better. But for me, what was happening so much was me racking my brain like, what do I need to do, what am I doing wrong? Instead of looking at what I was doing well in the moment and building off of that.”
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski (62) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski (62) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski (62) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Dominic Canzone (8) celebrates in the dugout after hitting his second home run of the game against the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Gabe Speier (55) pitches to the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) runs the bases after hitting a double against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Connor Brogdon (75) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) leads off second base during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Connor Brogdon (75) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Jose A. Ferrer (45) pitches to the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) in the dugout after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) runs the bases after hitting a double against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann (10) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) runs the bases after hitting a 2-RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins (8) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a 2-RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins (8) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a 2-RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) throws the ball to first base during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) and third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrate after DeLauter hit a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches to the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; A United States Air Force C-17 flys over the stadium before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; The 2025 A.L West Championship banner is revealed before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Seattle Mariners during batting practice before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; View of T-Mobile Park before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; MLB Opening Day logo on the first base before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Tanner Bibee leaves Opening Day start with right shoulder inflammation
Bibee was given the ball for the Guardians‘ Opening Day game against the Mariners in Seattle on March 26, He left the start before the bottom of the sixth inning with right shoulder inflammation. He appeared to show discomfort after he threw his final warmup pitch before the inning..
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Before leaving the start, Bibee pitched five innings and gave up three runs on four hits. The right-hander walked two and struck out seven, helping the Guardians win 6-4.
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Tanner Bibee looks to change his mindset
Bibee is entering his fourth season in the majors. In the past, he’s mentioned how handling things when it all went sideways was a work in progress. He was focused on keeping the poor innings from ballooning into disaster instead of spiraling on the mound because someone led off the inning with a double.
Essentially, Bibee could throw 30 pitches in a bullpen session, like 29 of them but stew over the one he didn’t. He needed to look to someone to remind himself that one bad outing — or even season — doesn’t mean anything is spiraling out of control. Enter Gray, a 13-year MLB veteran who’s had a few down years within a tremendous career.
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Bibee and Gray also had strikingly similar base numbers last season (Bibee: 4.24 ERA, 182 1/3 innings; Gray: 4.28 ERA, 180 2/3 innings). Statistically, it was the worst of Bibee’s three seasons in the majors. But knowing how he views Gray, and that they were almost the same pitcher in 2025, it allowed him to give himself a break, in a way.
“I look at Sonny Gray a lot, you look at his career, he’s been this dominant figure for a lot of years,” Bibee said during Spring Training. “You’ve seen some years where it wasn’t his best year, and for him to still be looked at as a dominant pitcher who goes through all that stuff, it’s kind of the same thing.”
Jun 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) celebrates during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Tanner Bibee stats
Bibee called his 2025 season a “reality check” of sorts. Many of his numbers have been in a pattern of decline since his rookie season in 2023. His ERA has risen from 2.98 to 3.47 to 4.24 last year. His FIP was steady his first two years in the mid 3.5s before jumping to 4.34 a year ago. His ERA+, where 100 is league average and the higher figure the better, has dropped each season (143 in 2023, 116 in 2024, 99 in 2025).
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Bibee and Gavin Williams make up the 1-2 punch the Guardians need if they are to claim a third consecutive American League Central crown in 2026. For Bibee, it’s a season in which he hopes to be more grounded while also getting back on track, in a way.
“Him ending the season in [a better] frame of mind and then having the ability to have a normal offseason, and then work on the things he wanted to work on as opposed to just health, which was at the forefront last year, [is a big plus],” said pitching coach Carl Willis. “We’re seeing a better fastball, better profile, better command. The velo with where we’re at at this point in the spring is a little tick up.”
If Bibee is in fact in a battle with himself to handle the ups and downs of a major league season, Round 4 began March 26.
Ryan Lewis covers the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians Opening Day starting pitcher Tanner Bibee’s new outlook