For many teams, this time of year is about 40-man roster maneuvering.

Teams are preparing for the Rule 5 Draft — and protecting their own players from it — and evaluating both trades and free agency, which require a balancing of the 40-man roster.

Here’s a breakdown of where the Guardians‘ 40-man roster, currently at 38 players, stands as the winter meetings draw closer and the hot stove begins to heat up.

Catchers (2): Bo Naylor, Austin Hedges

The Guardians will again be hoping Bo Naylor can take a step forward in his development. Austin Hedges was quickly re-signed to a one-year deal. David Fry could also receive some innings behind the plate now that he has enough time removed from his Tommy John surgery.

Infielders (9): Jose Ramirez, David Fry, Gabriel Arias, Brayan Rocchio, Kyle Manzardo, C.J. Kayfus, Daniel Schneemann, Juan Brito, Angel Genao

The Guardians don’t yet have to add former No. 1 overall draft selection Travis Bazzana to the 40-man roster, as he isn’t eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year. But barring something going haywire with his development, he’ll likely make his MLB debut in 2026 and be added to the 40-man roster down the road.

Angel Genao, one of the club’s top prospects, was recently added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

Outfielders (9): Steven Kwan, George Valera, Chase DeLauter, Nolan Jones, Angel Martinez, Petey Halpin, Jhonkensy Noel, Johnathan Rodriguez, Kahlil Watson

Chase DeLauter and George Valera could be major parts of the Guardians’ 2026 lineup after making their mark in the Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers.

Kahlil Watson was recently added to the 40-man roster to ensure he can’t be picked in the Rule 5 Draft.

Starting pitchers (10): Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, Yorman Gomez, Daniel Espino, Doug Nikhazy, Austin Peterson

The Guardians have a clear top six in the rotation after that group went on a historic run in September, but they likely won’t be able to deploy a six-man rotation all season, leaving one on the outside looking in.

Daniel Espino remains one of the most interesting prospects in baseball as a pitcher who possesses elite stuff, but also an injury history longer than a CVS receipt.

Yorman Gomez and Austin Peterson were both added to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.

Relief pitchers (8): Cade Smith, Erik Sabrowski, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, Matt Festa, Franco Aleman, Andrew Walters, Zak Kent

It’s looking unlikely that Emmanuel Clase is ever on a 40-man roster again, although the team must wait to see how MLB’s gambling investigation plays out.