Guardians Middle Infield Picture: Rocchio, Arias Start Spring with the Lead - But the Kids Are Coming
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Every fall, Brayan Rocchio seems to flip a switch. Call it “Playoff Rocchio” - the version of him that hits for average, flashes leather, and delivers in big moments.
It’s become something of a Cleveland tradition. But as spring training kicks off in Goodyear, the Guardians are hoping that version of Rocchio doesn’t wait until September to show up.
Because this year, the pressure is coming early - and it’s coming from below.
The Guardians’ middle infield is one of the most intriguing position battles in camp, not just because of who’s starting now, but because of who’s waiting in the wings. Rocchio and Gabriel Arias enter spring with the inside track at second base and shortstop, respectively, but the runway isn’t long. Former No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana and switch-hitting prospect Juan Brito are knocking on the door, and both are expected to make an impact in 2026.
So while Opening Day is the first checkpoint, it’s far from the finish line. This is a competition that could stretch deep into the season.
Rocchio’s Fall Heroics - Can He Stretch Them Into Spring?
Let’s start with Rocchio. He ended last season on a tear, hitting .286 with a .787 OPS over the final few weeks as the Guardians surged past the Tigers.
His glove saved a playoff push in mid-September, and he capped the regular season with a walk-off homer off the right-field foul pole. Then came October, where he took his game to another level: .310 average, .883 OPS in 13 postseason games - with two homers, two doubles, and a handful of clutch moments that made “Playoff Rocchio” a household name in Northeast Ohio.
The question now is whether that version of Rocchio can show up in March and stay through the dog days of summer.
Manager Stephen Vogt knows the expectations are high, but he’s not asking Rocchio to be a superhero. Just himself.
“Go play - day-to-day, one day at a time,” Vogt said. “He’s worked really hard to own that mindset. Of course expectations are high, but just go be yourself.”
That mindset might be Rocchio’s best weapon. Because the Guardians aren’t just looking for flashes anymore. They need consistency, and they need it early - especially from a lineup that ranked 28th in offense last year.
Arias: Defensive Versatility, But the Bat Needs to Catch Up
Gabriel Arias is in a different spot. The Guardians love his defense and versatility, and he’s shown flashes of what he can do at short and third.
But the bat hasn’t followed. Last year, he slashed .233/.290/.340 with 77 strikeouts in 115 games - and he’s yet to post an OPS above .630 in any season.
Still, Cleveland has been patient. They’ve given him time to grow into a starting role, and this spring could be a make-or-break moment for him. Vogt plans to use Arias at shortstop and third base, which could allow him to give José Ramírez occasional days off as the designated hitter - a move the club has made in recent seasons to keep his bat fresh.
But Arias’ long-term role hinges on whether he can bring more to the plate. If not, he could find himself in a utility role - or on the outside looking in.
The Prospects Are Coming - And They’re Not Just Depth
The Guardians’ farm system has been quietly building toward this moment. Travis Bazzana and Juan Brito are both expected to make their MLB debuts this year, and both could push for regular playing time once they arrive.
Bazzana, the former top overall pick, missed time last season with an oblique injury but is healthy now and will get a look this spring. A monster camp could earn him a surprise spot on the Opening Day roster, but the more likely scenario is a brief stint in Triple-A before joining the big league club.
Brito, who dealt with thumb and hamstring issues last year, is also healthy and waiting for his shot. He’s a switch-hitter who can play all over the infield, and his versatility gives the Guardians options - especially if Arias or Rocchio falter.
The key here? Neither Bazzana nor Brito is viewed as a depth piece. When they arrive, the expectation is that they play - regularly.
Depth Behind the Depth
Even beyond Bazzana and Brito, the Guardians have more names in the mix. Angel Martinez can play both middle infield spots and even slide into center field. Daniel Schneemann is another name to watch, and there’s always the chance someone else in camp forces their way into the conversation over the next six weeks.
That means Rocchio and Arias aren’t just competing with each other - they’re competing with the entire next wave of talent.
The Bottom Line
For now, Rocchio and Arias have the edge. They’ve been here.
They’ve played meaningful games. But there’s no guarantee that edge lasts into May - or even April.
If Rocchio can channel “Playoff Rocchio” for more than just a few weeks, he could lock down a spot and become a long-term piece of the Guardians’ core. If Arias can find his swing to match his glove, he could do the same.
But if either stumbles, the Guardians won’t hesitate. They’ve got reinforcements ready - and they’re not just waiting for the leaves to fall.
This spring, every rep counts. Every at-bat matters. And for a team trying to climb back into contention, the middle infield battle might just be the most important story in camp.