The Cleveland Guardians are heading into 2026 with a good kind of problem: too much pitching talent. For a team that’s long prided itself on developing arms, this year’s rotation puzzle might be one of their most intriguing yet-and Joey Cantillo is right in the middle of it.
Cantillo, a left-hander with a deceptive delivery and a changeup that’s been his calling card since his early days in the minors, looks poised to take a major step forward. After a season that tested his resilience and showcased his growth, he’s making a strong case to be more than just a back-end option-he’s knocking on the door of a top-three rotation spot.
What makes Cantillo’s rise so compelling isn’t just the stuff-it’s the way he’s evolved. That changeup has always been his bread and butter, but in 2026, something clicked.
His curveball emerged as a legitimate second weapon, giving him the kind of one-two punch that can keep hitters off balance deep into outings. That’s a big development for a guy who’s always had the pitchability but needed more tools to keep hitters guessing.
And the results followed. Cantillo didn’t just survive last season-he thrived, especially down the stretch.
After a stint back in Triple-A Columbus, he came back stronger, sharper, and more confident. That demotion could’ve rattled a lot of young pitchers.
Instead, Cantillo used it as fuel. He refined his mechanics, got more innings under his belt, and came back looking like a seasoned pro when the Guardians needed him most.
He avoided hard contact, got hitters to chase, and-perhaps most importantly-stayed healthy. That’s been a hurdle in the past, but last season was his most durable yet.
If he can build on that, keep the walks under control, and maybe even tack on a tick or two of velocity, the Guardians may have something special here. A legitimate No. 3 starter?
That’s not just optimism-it’s within reach.
Manager Stephen Vogt will have some tough decisions to make, but that’s a good problem to have. With a rotation that’s deep and versatile, Vogt may opt for a five-man setup to keep arms fresh and roles defined. And Cantillo’s name should be written in pen, not pencil, when those plans are drawn up.
He’s not the only young arm turning heads, either. Parker Messick, another rookie who came up big late in the year, is very much in the mix.
The lefty showed poise and command beyond his years, and he’ll be pushing for a starting role from Day 1. Between Cantillo and Messick, the Guardians have a pair of emerging southpaws who could anchor this rotation for years to come.
Cleveland’s pitching pipeline has long been one of the best in baseball, and 2026 is shaping up to be another showcase. With Cantillo on the rise and a deep stable of arms behind him, the Guardians aren’t just reloading-they’re ready to contend.