The Cleveland Guardians are heading into the new season with a quiet confidence, putting their faith in a crop of young talent poised to shine. While the free agency period has been relatively uneventful, the team is banking on these emerging players to take significant strides forward, especially after some promising debuts late last season.
One area that remains a bit of a puzzle is the starting rotation, where six pitchers are vying for five spots. Among them is a young arm who flashed potential brilliance last season and continues to draw attention in Spring Training.
Parker Messick, a name that might not be on every fan's radar, is making waves. Chris Towers from CBS Sports recently spotlighted Messick as a sleeper pick for fantasy baseball in 2026.
Despite not having the blazing fastball that typically garners headlines, Messick's craftiness is what sets him apart. His fastball, with its modest velocity, still managed a 29% whiff rate last season.
This is thanks to his low release point, pinpoint command, and a changeup that keeps hitters guessing. Messick's track record in the upper minors, where he consistently posted 30% strikeout rates, suggests there's more potential to unlock.
Last season, Messick quietly went 3-1 with a 2.72 ERA in seven starts, playing a pivotal role in the Guardians' successful defense of their AL Central title. While his velocity might not dazzle, his ability to get outs consistently at every level, including the majors, is undeniable.
Manager Stephen Vogt has outlined plans for the outfield, but the rotation remains a work in progress. If Messick continues to impress during Spring Training, he stands a strong chance of securing a spot in the Opening Day rotation.
In baseball, having just five starters is rarely enough to navigate a full season. Yet, there's something special about rooting for a young pitcher like Messick to break out. If he can replicate last season's performance over a full slate of starts, the Guardians might just have a hidden gem ready to make a significant impact.