In order to examine what the Guardians might do, we should probably understand what they need to do. So, let’s take a look at the likely 26-man roster currently:

Lineup:

Bench:

Depth: Nolan Jones, LHH OF, Johnathan Rodriguez, RHH DH/OF, Daniel Schneemann, LHH IF/OF, Kahlil Watson, LHH CF, Petey Halpin, LHH CF.

Analysis: For me, the biggest need is very clearly a right-handed hitter who can play centerfield and provide some pop. If DeLauter is in centerfield, you can’t reasonably expect him to make more than probably 100 starts there in 2025. I would say second priority is a middle of the order hitter, likely someone who can play first base or DH because those players will come cheaper than middle of the order hitters in other places on the diamond. Finally, looking to upgrade at second base or shortstop is something the Guardians should be opportunistic about. I think it’s fine to put Brayan Rocchio at one of those spots, but Gabriel Arias cannot be seen as a starting option. Do we read much into Juan Brito’s first start in the Dominican Winter League being at first base? Probably not. Please note that the above depth chart relies on Nolan Jones and Jhonkensy Noel getting through waivers, as neither has an option remaining. I think Jones will get there, but Noel may get plucked by a team like the Rockies, Pirates or White Sox if they try to waive him. It is possible that the Guardians trade Steven Kwan, which would be rough emotionally, but I do think they will only do it if they get an overpaid and if they have a solid replacement plan in place.

Rotation:

Depth: Logan Allen, LHP (Listed in the bullpen below), Austin Peterson, RHP, and Doug Nikhazy, LHP.

Analysis: The Guardians will certainly add another starter or two. They do have Kahl Stephen who should be ready at some point in the year ahead, but that’s not going to be enough unless they are miraculously healthy. Expect them to explore the pitchers listed here, highlighted by Tyler Mahle,Zack Littell and Griffin Canning, but also explore potential options in the Rule 5 draft (prominent targets listed here by MLB) and the Ben Lively-types of the world available on minor-league deals. I would not expect a move here until January or February, however. BUT if they find a deal they like, especially for a player recovering from injury, they may surprise us and spend a little money (a la their rumored pursuits of Nick Pivetta and Carlos Rodon in prior offseasons).

Bullpen:

Depth: Andrew Walters, RHP, Carlos Hernandez, RHP (minor-league deal), Franco Aleman, RHP, Yorman Gomez, RHP, Daniel Espino, RHP.

Analysis: I would feel a lot better here if I knew that Walters was healthy, but no news there yet. Hernandez seems like the kind of pitcher the Guardians can get on track, but it’s hard to rely on that. Aleman, Gomez and Espino will need plenty of work before they are ready for the big league pen. (While the team may try to get Espino to be a starter, I don’t think that will happen until the end of 2026 or more likely 2027, if all goes well). The Brogdon signing was interesting because, as a player who was designated for assignment and passed through waivers in 2025, he didn’t seem like a guy who absolutely needed a major league deal, despite his good metrics. So, this either means the Guardians are entering financial austerity mode… OR they are relying on their pitching development team to maximize cheaper bullpen options so they can reserve the available $20-35M they have to spend on improving hitting (and a less expensive starter or two). I choose to be optimistic and assume it is the latter. So, I’d expect the Guardians to find another pitcher or two from this list of non-tenders, or perhaps even in the Rule 5 draft . Another good list on this note is from Thomes J. Nestico who does great work, check it out here.

So, in summary… I believe the Guardians will add a right-handed hitter capable of playing centerfield, I believe they will be aggressive in trying to find a middle of the order hitter-type who plays 1B/DH, I believe they will add 2-3 less expensive relievers and starters, perhaps some on minor league deals.

Predictions: On the most exciting end of the scale, I’d pay attention for names like Willson Contereas from the Cardinals, Yandy Diaz from the Rays, Teoscar Hernandez from the Dodgers, and (most excitingly of all) Ketel Marte from the Diamondbacks. Any of those players would be a notable investment, but I do think the Guardians will pursue these kind of deals. Of course, Brandon Donovan and Lars Nootbaar from the Cardinals have also been rumored as players the Guardians are interested in, and I welcome either as a potential target. I think there is also a chance the Guardians – in a similar vein to their Yonder Alonso or Josh Bell signings – get a 2-year deal done for Rhys Hoskins in the next month if they aren’t getting any traction in trades. Finally, in my heart of hearts, I think the Guardians will end up with someone like Austin Hays, Lane Thomas, Austin Slater or Randal Grichuk in free agency, but probably not until January.

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