The Cleveland Guardians wrapped up the 2025 season with a flourish, capturing the AL Central crown thanks to a stellar September performance. While the Detroit Tigers stumbled, the Guardians surged ahead with a remarkable 20-7 record in the final month.
Key to this late-season dominance was the Guardians’ innovative use of a six-man rotation. This strategy paid off handsomely, as the pitching staff posted a formidable 2.60 ERA in September. Standouts like Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo all played crucial roles in this success.
The health and consistency of these pitchers were vital, and the smooth operation of this rotation has fans and analysts alike intrigued about its future use. However, the decision to continue with a six-man setup isn't without its challenges.
As noted by experts, including Paul Hoynes from Cleveland.com, a six-man rotation could strain the bullpen by reducing its depth. This trade-off raises questions about the sustainability of such a strategy over a full season, especially given the current state of the Guardians’ bullpen. Relying heavily on relievers like Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, and Erik Sabrowski could be risky if the bullpen is already stretched thin.
Looking ahead, the Guardians plan to start the season with a traditional five-man rotation, despite having six strong candidates. Manager Stephen Vogt acknowledges the tough decisions ahead but views the depth of talent as a positive challenge.
“It’s going to be a really hard decision, whatever we end up doing,” Vogt shared. The competition among the pitchers is fierce, but it’s a testament to the team’s strength.
Currently, Joey Cantillo has faced some struggles with a 7.84 ERA in spring training, but it’s worth noting this comes from a small sample size of just 10.1 innings. Meanwhile, Williams and Allen have been solid, posting ERAs of 3.38 and 3.60, respectively, with the rest of the group performing even better.
While Parker Messick might start the season in the minors due to having three options, expect him to be a significant contributor in 2026. The Guardians are well-positioned with a wealth of pitching talent, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.