As the Cleveland Guardians gear up for the new season, spring training is the perfect stage to keep an eye on some intriguing talents. With split squad games against the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers on the horizon, there's plenty of excitement in the air.
Pitcher to Watch: Joey Cantillo
Joey Cantillo is set to take the mound against the Brewers, and he's a name that fans should definitely keep tabs on. Last season, Cantillo showcased his versatility by bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen, ending the year with an impressive 3.21 ERA over 95 1/3 innings. That's quite the leap from his 4.89 ERA in 2024.
What stands out about Cantillo is his ability to generate swings and misses. He finished last season in the 80th percentile for whiff rate and 79th for strikeout rate.
His extension, which measures how close he releases the ball to the plate, is also top-notch. If he can replicate his September form-where he posted a 1.55 ERA with 28 strikeouts-he could solidify himself as a reliable third or fourth starter in the Guardians' rotation.
Prospect to Watch: Chase DeLauter
Chase DeLauter is the prospect drawing plenty of attention. Despite a career marked by injuries, DeLauter's potential is undeniable. Over 138 minor league games, he's shown flashes of brilliance with 30-plus home run potential, a .302/.384/.504 slash line, and a solid mix of walks and strikeouts.
DeLauter made his MLB debut last postseason, and with Steven Kwan potentially covering center field, DeLauter might find a comfortable spot in a less demanding position. This could be a pivotal spring for him as he looks to carve out a role on the team.
Position Player to Watch: Bo Naylor
Catcher Bo Naylor is another player to keep an eye on. Although his batting average last season was just .195, he set career highs in several categories, including home runs (14) and RBI (47). His walk rate was impressive, and he managed to reduce both his whiff and chase rates.
Naylor has been working on adjusting his swing, as shared by the Guardians' manager on a recent podcast. A return to his 2023 form, where he hit .237 with 11 home runs, could be crucial for the Guardians as they aim for a third consecutive division title.
As spring training unfolds, these players offer plenty of reasons for Guardians fans to be optimistic about the upcoming season. Whether it's Cantillo's pitching prowess, DeLauter's potential at the plate, or Naylor's improvements behind it, there's a lot to look forward to.