The Cleveland Guardians are in the midst of an intriguing battle for the final spots in their starting rotation this spring, but at the top, they've got a clear leader. Gavin Williams has emerged as the ace, stepping up in the absence of former AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber. After Bieber's trade post-recovery from Tommy John surgery, Williams truly shined during the crucial pennant race.
Williams' ability to deliver in high-stakes games has set the stage for what could be a standout season. With Cy Young potential on the horizon, he's poised to be the Guardians' Opening Day starter, even if it's not officially announced yet.
Analyst Bruce Drennan is optimistic about Williams' future, stating, “I think [Gavin Williams] is on the verge of really becoming one of the elite starters in the American League. It’s going to be fun.”
Williams, a first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, initially struggled to meet expectations in his early seasons, posting a 6-15 record over 32 starts. However, he turned a corner in 2025, making 31 starts with a 12-5 record, a 3.06 ERA, and 173 strikeouts over 167.2 innings-surpassing his previous two seasons combined.
His performance improved as the season progressed, crucially aiding the Guardians' playoff push. Notably, he nearly pitched a no-hitter against the Mets in August and allowed no more than two runs in any of his four September starts. In the AL Wild Card Round, he held his own against Detroit's ace Tarik Skubal, despite a narrow 2-1 loss.
As a leader on this young pitching staff, Williams seems ready to join the ranks of the game's elite this season. Fans should keep a close eye on his development-it promises to be an exciting journey.