This story has been updated with new informattion.
The Guardians have already begun trimming down their roster, though the most difficult decisions remain as Opening Day draws near.
The Guardians open the regular season March 26 in Seattle — yes, Cleveland fans will have to wait until 10:10 p.m. to see the first pitch of the year — meaning they’ll likely have the Opening Day roster set a few days before breaking spring training camp.
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With more than a dozen key decisions looming, here’s a final Guardians Opening day roster projection as camp enters its final week.
Catchers (3): Bo Naylor, David Fry, Austin Hedges
The Guardians are bullish on Bo Naylor having a breakout year in 2026, the result of a key mechanical adjustment at the plate last year that led to a strong September.
David Fry is back as an eligible catcher. He’ll see time there and potentially at first base and the designated hitter spot, specifically against left-handed pitching.
Austin Hedges returns as defensive insurance.
Those three give the Guardians some rare late-game flexibility, and it allows them to go easy on Fry’s reconstructed throwing elbow.
Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) and center fielder Daniel Schneemann nearly collide as Schneemann catches a ball during a game against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 26, 2025, in Cleveland.
Infielders (6): Jose Ramirez, Kyle Manzardo, Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, Rhys Hoskins, Daniel Schneemann
Rhys Hoskins was a late addition to the first base mix as a much-needed right-handed hitter. He’ll split time there and in the DH spot with Kyle Manzardo, which means Fry might see an even higher percentage of his at-bats while catching than previously thought. Hoskins is a minor-league invitee, so some 40-man roster maneuvering would be needed.
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Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio figure to open the season up the middle, though former No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana is well on his way to getting the call to the big leagues soon, which will force some reshuffling, possibly with Rocchio shifting over to shortstop.
Daniel Schneemann gives the Guardians some needed defensive flexibility, as he can play almost anywhere in the infield and outfield.
Jose Ramirez is a safe bet to hold down third base this season.
Cleveland Guardians right fielder George Valera (35) catches a shot by Detroit Tigers’ Javier Baez during the third inning of Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field, Oct. 2, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Outfielders (4): Steven Kwan, George Valera, Angel Martinez, Chase DeLauter
Nolan Jones figured to have the inside track to an Opening Day roster spot after the Guardians signed him to a $2 million deal for the 2026 season, but that head start might have evaporated in the Arizona heat.
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Jones had a brutally rough 2025, and this spring was no better, as he entered March 19 hitting just .152 with a .525 OPS in 33 at-bats.
Chase DeLauter, meanwhile, has hammered Cactus League pitching, hitting .393 with a 1.076 OPS in 28 at-bats. To make matters worse for Jones, DeLauter has 11 fewer strikeouts this spring as well.
The Guardians are still working with Jones to recapture some of the magic he briefly found with the Colorado Rockies, but as camp draws to a close it’s possible DeLauter played himself into an Opening Day roster spot, with Jones possibly headed to the waiver wire as a casualty of timing and the numbers game.
Angel Martinez fits as a switch-hitter who can play several positions. Steven Kwan possibly adding center field to his resume helped to make Jones a bit more expendable.
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee throws a pitch against the Houston Astros on June 8, 2025, in Cleveland.
Starting pitchers (5): Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, Slade Cecconi
Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee are locked into the first two spots. Joey Cantillo is a popular breakout candidate, in part thanks to a new slider grip he’s unveiling in 2026, and he’s out of minor league options.
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That leaves Logan Allen, Slade Cecconi and Parker Messick vying for the final two spots. Messick could be the odd man out as the sixth pitcher in a five-man rotation.
Although teams often take a starter into the season as a reliever, that might not be the case with Messick considering that, after the Guardians’ top six starting pitching options, their MLB-ready depth leaves something to be desired.
Cleveland Guardians reliever Matt Festa throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.
Relief pitchers (8): Cade Smith, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Tim Herrin, Matt Festa, Peyton Pallette, Colin Holderman, Connor Brogdon
Hunter Gaddis has dealt with forearm soreness, and while he might be ready by Opening Day, the Guardians have little reason to rush him back. Opting for cautiousness would allow Peyton Pallette, Colin Holderman and Connor Brogdon to all make the Opening Day roster. Holderman is the shakiest of the three when it comes to the Opening Day roster considering he has minor league options remaining.
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Kolby Allard is in camp and could offer the Guardians a long-relief option, so he’s in the mix.
Daniel Espino, after four years of rehab, setbacks and heartbreak, is back on the mound and has arguably been the best story in Guardians camp this spring. He won’t be an option for Opening Day, but his debut could be coming soon.
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who had been on paid leave while they await trial on federal charges of rigging pitch outcomes for gambling purposes, were placed on nondisciplinary leave March 20 through an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA. That move likely saves the Guardians roughly $7 million in 2026 salary.
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: Cleveland Guardians Opening Day 2026 roster projection 3.0