Ever puzzled over how a baseball team can squeeze six talented pitchers into just a five-man rotation? It's a strategic riddle that's sparking debates among Cleveland Guardians fans everywhere—and trust me, the answers reveal some fascinating insights into the team's future!
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Hey, Hoynsie: It looks like Cleveland will kick off the season with a standard five-man starting rotation. Among the six pitchers who started in September last year, do any still have minor league options remaining? If one ends up as the odd man out, they might land in the bullpen, but a stint at Triple-A Columbus could be necessary to build up their stamina for rotation duties if needed. — Ed Brandyberry, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Hey, Ed: Just to refresh your memory, the Guardians only switched to a six-man rotation back then because MLB expanded rosters on September 1, allowing them to carry 14 pitchers total. That was a temporary measure to give everyone more playing time.
Here's a breakdown of the remaining minor league options for those six starters: Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick, and Gavin Williams each have three left; Logan Allen has two; Slade Cecconi has one; and Joey Cantillo has none.
Cantillo began last season in the relief role and was sent down to Columbus to regain his starting form through extra innings. Unfortunately, the team can't repeat that process this year since he's exhausted his options. And this is the part most people miss—options are like a safety net for teams, letting them shuttle players back and forth to keep everyone fresh, but once they're gone, it's game over for that flexibility.
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Hey, Hoynsie: Out of the Guardians' six potential rotation candidates—Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, and Parker Messick—which ones do you envision making the cut for the starting lineup, and what's the plan for the extra pitcher? — Don Dohanyos, Escondido, California.
Hey, Don: Plenty can shift before Opening Day on March 26. But from an outsider's perspective, I'd bet on a rotation featuring Bibee, Williams, Cecconi, Allen, and Cantillo, with Messick ready as a quick call-up from Triple-A Columbus if someone falters.
Hey, Hoynsie: The Guardians could really use a seasoned power hitter to anchor their batting order. How do you see them addressing this? A true veteran might be too pricey, but they desperately need someone to shield Jose Ramirez from tough pitching. — Tim Lavin, New Orleans.
Hey, Tim: Absolutely, it's a pressing need. Still, they're aiming to handle it on their own terms—scouting a hitter who boosts the offense without sidelining the young talents they've been nurturing. Easier said than done, right? But here's where it gets controversial: Some fans argue this homegrown approach is smart long-term strategy, while others say splurging on a big-name bat could spark an immediate playoff push. What do you think—should teams prioritize youth development over quick wins?
Hey, Hoynsie: What steps would Stephen Vogt have to take to snag a third consecutive Manager of the Year award? — C.D. Leach, Strongsville.
Hey, C.D.: That question came up jokingly at the winter meetings. His humorous response? “Probably by winning 120 games.”
Hey, Hoynsie: Does bringing in Stuart Fairchild suggest the Guardians are doubling down on platoon systems in 2026, rather than committing to one of their young players for daily action in center or right field? — Tim Johnson, Rockville, Indiana.
Hey, Tim: I don't believe Fairchild's arrival will change their platoon mindset. They'll stick with it to control costs and effectively expand their 26-man roster to function like a 28-man one. That said, if a rookie proves they can handle everyday play and deliver results, why not give them that full-time role?
Hey, Hoynsie: This year marks 124 years for the Guardians. Are there any longstanding traditions in the organization that go back that far? Think quirky superstitions among the players, unique office jargon, or elements a player from the 1948 World Series Indians team would instantly recognize today? — Carter Bays, New York City.
Hey, Carter: The most striking continuity is the letter “C”—regardless of its design—on the team's uniform. A veteran from the 1948 World Series-winning Indians would immediately spot it on today's Guardians caps, as it proudly represents Cleveland. Traditions like this build a sense of history and pride, don't they?
Hey, Hoynsie: Will Bo Naylor elevate his batting skills sufficiently in 2026 to secure his spot as the Guardians' primary catcher long-term? — Tony Mollica, The Plains.
Hey, Tony: Barring any unforeseen developments, Naylor appears set as the starter. The coaching and front-office teams were impressed by his .290 average and strong pitching management during the September push that clinched the AL Central title.
That said, his overall season stats were a .195 average (70 hits in 359 at-bats) with a .282 on-base percentage, though he did set a personal best with 14 home runs. Still, there are noticeable gaps in his offensive arsenal that could use polishing—things like consistency in getting on base or handling different pitch types. For beginners in baseball analytics, this highlights how even promising players need refinement to become all-stars.
Hey, Hoynsie: Do you anticipate Jhonkensy Noel, better known as Big Christmas, sticking with the Guardians this season, or do you see him being claimed by another team? — Mike Barrett, Ashland.
Hey, Mike: I suspect another organization will snap him up through a trade or waivers. Noel was designated for assignment on December 17, and teams typically have seven days to make moves. However, due to the holiday season, that window has been pushed into January for players DFA'd in late December.
What are your thoughts on the Guardians' pitching strategy or player decisions? Do you agree with their platoon approach, or should they invest more in veterans? Share your opinions in the comments—let's debate!
