Spring Training is a time for players to shake off the rust from the offseason and ramp back up before Opening Day. But for some members of the Cleveland Guardians, it may be their last chance to show the organization that they deserve a spot on the roster.
With that, there are a couple of members of the Guardians who have a lot to prove this spring.
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Gabriel Arias is in the almost exact same position as another candidate, except in the infield.
Arias wasn’t unplayable last season and was even one of Cleveland’s top defenders, too. However, the right-handers’ bat has never come around, and the Guardians are still waiting for that breakout season at the plate. Arias had his best OPS in three seasons last year, but it was still only .637.
With Juan Brito ready to make the jump to the big leagues and Travis Bazzana not far behind him, Arias will need to show a lot of growth at the plate during training camp to earn an everyday spot in Cleveland’s lineup.
Jun 20, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) bats during the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Nolan Jones’ second stint with the Guardians organization didn’t go as planned. In 403 plate appearances, the left-hander slashed .211/.296/.304. For a player who was supposed to inject some power into the lineup, Jones only hit five home runs and 14 doubles.
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The Guardians did decide to bring the 27-year-old back on a $2 million deal for 2026, but his spot on the roster is far from guaranteed.
Cleveland will have Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus, who need and deserve outfield playing time right out of the gate, with other prospects such as Khalil Watson and Petey Halpin who could be options for the team later in the season.
If Jones’ struggles from 2025 carry over, even into spring training, the Guardians could look to fill his roster spot with someone else.
Tim Herrin was one of Cleveland’s best relievers in 2024, but the lefty couldn’t repeat that success in 2025. He ended last season with a 4.85 ERA and ended up bouncing between the major and minor league rosters.
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The Guardians made it a priority to add more depth to the bullpen this offseason, and they did just that, bringing in a handful of new relievers. This alone will create some tense battles for the limited number of spots in the bullpen.
If Herrin struggles with his command during his spring training outings, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him start the season at Triple-A. That said, if the lefty is more of the pitcher he was in September, he could have a critical role.
However, that’s a role Herrin must earn.
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