Cleveland Guardians News

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Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams has Another Good Spring Outing

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams had another solid Cactus League outing on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while walking none and striking out five in 3 2/3 innings of work. Williams threw 41 of his 56 pitches for strikes and didn't allow a walk for the second straight appearance. That's a big deal, since the 26-year-old led the league with 83 walks in 167 2/3 innings a season ago. Williams went 12-5 last year with a career-best 3.06 ERA (4.39 FIP) and 1.27 WHIP with 83 free passes and a career-high 173 punchouts over his 31 starts. So far this spring, Williams has issued just one walk in eight innings. If he's able to improve his control in 2026, Williams could take another step forward as a more reliable mid-rotation starter for fantasy managers. Williams' strong finish to the 2025 campaign gives hope for more going forward.

3 days ago

Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith Emerging as an Elite Source of Saves

Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith has emerged as an elite source of saves in 2026, now sitting as the fourth-highest ranked reliever for the upcoming 2026 fantasy season at RotoBaller, just ahead of Andres Munoz, who registered 38 saves for Seattle a season ago. The right-hander has had a phenomenal first two seasons in the big leagues, amassing 103 strikeouts in 75 1/3 innings as a reliever in 2024 with a 1.91 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, then followed it up with 104 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings with a 2.93 ERA (1.95 FIP) and 1.00 WHIP in 2025 while racking up 16 saves for the Guardians, 13 of which came after August 5 on the heels of the suspension of former closer Emmanuel Clase. Stepping in as the full-time closer in 2026, the 6-foot-5 Smith brings a 96.4 average fastball velocity with a 95th percentile whiff rate and 97th percentile strikeout rate to the role, on a team that won 88 games in '25 and should compete for a division crown once again. He won't be cheap on draft day, but with no indications of a slowdown on the horizon, the 26-year-old is rightfully not only one of the top relievers for fantasy, but he's also one of the top pitchers for fantasy regardless of role (starter or reliever).

5 days ago

Hunter Gaddis • RP • Guardians

Hunter Gaddis Dealing With Forearm Tightness

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Hunter Gaddis (forearm) made his spring debut this past Friday, striking out two while allowing no hits or walks in the one-inning outing. However, the right-hander experienced mild forearm tightness following the appearance. According to manager Stephen Vogt, the 27-year-old went for imaging that "came back clean," and will be reevaluated on Thursday before being built back up. Sounds like a minor injury, and it doesn't appear to put his status for Opening Day in doubt for now. The 6-foot-6 hurler had a strong season for the Guardians in 2025, striking out 73 batters in 66 2/3 innings of work on his way to a 3.11 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and the second-most holds in all of baseball with 35. For fantasy managers looking for some ratio help, Gaddis could be a worthwhile roster addition, especially in the event something were to happen to the Guardians' closer, Cade Smith, as Gaddis could potentially be the one to step into that role.

7 days ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Scratched on Wednesday With Lower-Body Soreness

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter (lower body) was scratched from the lineup for his team's Spring Training game on Wednesday due to lower body soreness, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The 25-year-old DeLauter is considered one of the best prospects in the Guardians' system and is expected to compete for a starting role in the team's outfield during Spring Training. DeLauter saw his first taste of big-league action in the 2025 postseason, recording one hit in seven plate appearances against the Detroit Tigers. While it does not appear as though DeLauter has suffered a specific injury, any potential health questions for him should cause fantasy managers to raise their eyebrows. DeLauter has never logged more than 242 plate appearances across three Minor League seasons. He's fractured his left foot twice and missed time in 2025 due to both core muscle surgery and a right hamate bone fracture. If he's slowed down in Spring Training by injury, DeLauter's chances of making Cleveland's Opening Day roster could be in jeopardy.

Feb 25

Parker Messick • SP • Guardians

Parker Messick Enters Spring Training in Competition for Rotation Spot

According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick is one of the names in the running for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. Messick made his spring training debut on Sunday afternoon and tossed two innings of work with no runs, no hits, and a 1:3 K:BB. Joining him in the competition will be young left-hander Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, and Slade Cecconi. Last summer, Messick made his MLB debut and held his own, logging 39 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out 38 hitters while generating an elite 5.8% barrel rate with a strong 3.6% walk rate. Messick is worth monitoring closely, as he could carry late-round sleeper appeal if he were to open the season as a starter.

Feb 23

Rhys Hoskins • 1B • Guardians

Guardians Sign Rhys Hoskins to Minor-League Deal

The Cleveland Guardians have signed free-agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Hoskins is coming off a down year in 2025, which likely impacted his free agent value. Last season, Hoskins slashed .237/.332/.416 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI across 90 games with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 32-year-old does have legit power with five seasons of 25-plus home runs under his belt. This is a low-risk move for the Guardians, who might end up getting a solid power hitter out of Hoskins. He'll earn $1.5 million in 2026, assuming he makes the roster.

Feb 22

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Mechanical Adjustment Helped Gavin Williams Break Out in 2025

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams took another step last year, reaching personal bests across the board in ERA (3.06), strikeouts (173), innings (167 2/3), and starts (31). After the All-Star break, Williams had a 2.18 ERA over 12 starts, which tied him with Tarik Skubal for first among qualified American League starters. In the first few months of 2025, he threw less than six innings in eight of his 11 starts, logging a 4.27 ERA with 32 walks in 52 2/3 frames. According to MLB.com's Tim Stebbins, a subtle mechanical adjustment that Williams made on June 16 was the catalyst for his excellent finish. The 26-year-old raised the position of his hands from resting at the belt to his chest, to create a longer arm path so he could better locate his pitches. Williams also added a sinker last year, although he only threw it 6.6% of the time. The adjustment helped Williams throw more strikes, but he still led the majors with 83 walks. Going into 2026, Williams is an anchor in Cleveland's starting rotation and is a high-end No. 4 starting pitcher in fantasy with upside for more if he continues to lower his walk rate.

Feb 19

Steven Kwan • LF • Guardians

Steven Kwan to Get Reps in Center Field

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said that outfielder Steven Kwan will get some reps in center field this spring, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The Guardians are searching for the best possible outfield alignment. Kwan has won the American League Gold Glove award in left field in each of his four seasons with the team. In addition to the 28-year-old, Chase DeLauter, Daniel Schneemann, and Angel Martinez also figure to play in center during spring training for Cleveland. Kwan had his second straight season of double-digit home runs, but he still only hit 11 bombs while slashing .272/.330/.374 with a career-low .705 OPS, career-high 56 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases in 156 regular-season games. He has great discipline as the leadoff hitter for the Guards and will also provide plenty of runs scored, a strong average, and stolen bases, but you'll need to get your power elsewhere.

Feb 19

Emmanuel Clase • RP • Guardians |

Luis L. Ortiz • SP • Guardians

Emmanuel Clase, Luis L. Ortiz Plead Not Guilty in Pitch-Rigging Case

Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz entered not guilty pleas while being accused of colluding with sports bettors to rig bets, according to The Associated Press. The pitchers were first charged in November with accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs to help two gamblers from their native Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 by placing more than 100 in-game prop bets and parlays on the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Charges against them include wire-fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. Clase and Ortiz have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July. Lawyers for both men have insisted their clients never colluded with gamblers. Clase is a three-time All-Star and had a $4.5 million salary in 2025. If convicted on all charges, the 27-year-old faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.

Feb 19

Kyle Manzardo • 1B • Guardians

Kyle Manzardo Can Be a Great Late-Round Power Source

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo is ready to build on last year's success and came into spring training with a new look and new approach. The 25-year-old lefty bulked up this offseason, adding about 15 pounds coming into spring training. In 2025, he hit .234 in his first full season in the majors, exactly matching his batting average from 53 games in 2024. He dramatically increased his power production, though, with a .221 ISO, .329 wOBA, and 27 homers in his 142 games. While a 30-homer season is definitely a real possibility, Manzardo said his focus is to be better situationally. He's projected to hit fourth in the batting order again this season, right behind the always-productive Jose Ramirez. Manzardo's ADP is low enough that he can be a great option late in drafts if your team needs a little power and can take a hit in batting average.

Feb 17

Juan Brito • SS • Guardians

Juan Brito to be a Utility Option This Spring

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said that infield prospect Juan Brito will see time at first base, second base, and third base this spring, according to Mason Horodyski of WEWS. Brito could also be an option in right field because the team doesn't have many right-handed options there. "If Juan Brito can play all of those roles... obviously it's beneficial for him and for us," Vogt said. Adding versatility will only increase Brito's chances of earning an Opening Day roster spot in 2026. The 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter only played in 31 games in 2025 at the Rookie level and with Triple-A Columbus due to surgeries on his thumb and hamstring. He hit .243/.355/.437 with a .792 OPS, four homers, 17 RBI, 17 runs, and four steals in 125 plate appearances. Brito is unlikely to have a realistic shot at regular playing time in 2026, and he still has minor-league options remaining.

Feb 16

CJ Kayfus • 1B • Guardians

CJ Kayfus to Have Prominent Role in Cleveland Lineup?

Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect CJ Kayfus should compete to earn a near-everyday role in the Cleveland starting lineup during spring training. The Guardians promoted Kayfus to the major leagues last season, but he did not find immediate success. Across his first 44 games in the big leagues, Kayfus held a .220/.292/.415 slash line with 10 doubles, four home runs, four stolen bases, and a 38:11 K:BB. Under the hood, the 24-year-old generated a modest .322 xwOBA with a 9.2% barrel rate. Earlier in the campaign, the former 93rd overall selection from the 2023 MLB Draft held a stellar .300/.390/.539 line with 14 long balls and four stolen bases across 86 games spread between Double-A and Triple-A. Kayfus should compete for at-bats at first base alongside Kyle Manzardo and see additional time in right field, sharing time with George Valera.

Feb 16

Kyle Manzardo • 1B • Guardians

Kyle Manzardo Packs on Muscle in Offseason

The Athletic's Zack Meisel wrote in December that Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo added 14 pounds of muscle since the end of the 2025 season. The Guardians want him to hold up better physically and be a candidate for more reps at first base in 2026. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 out of Washington State played in 142 regular-season games last year in his first full year in the big leagues, hitting .234/.313/.455 with a .768 OPS, 27 home runs, 70 RBI, 47 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 531 plate appearances. Manzardo appeared in 84 games as the designated hitter while manning first base 55 times. He'll be a legitimate late-round source of power and should start at first base more often with Carlos Santana no longer around. If Manzardo can improve against lefties -- he hit just .186/.253/.419 against them -- he'll have true breakout potential in 2026.

Feb 13

Emmanuel Clase • RP • Guardians

Emmanuel Clase Used Coded Language for Pitch-Rigging Plans

Federal prosecutors said that Cleveland Guardians right-handed reliever Emmanuel Clase and co-conspirators used coded language to discuss pitch-rigging plans, according to The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov and Zack Meisel. Clase received a text message hours before a game against the Reds on May 18 of last year that read, "Throw a rock at the first rooster in today's fight." Unsealed court documents on Friday also allege that Clase engaged in an illegal sports gambling scheme during the 2024 postseason. It was all part of an alleged effort by Clase and others to rig pitches during Guardians games for over two years. Co-conspirators netted winnings of at least $450,000, and Clase and teammate Luis L. Ortiz allegedly received kickbacks for their involvement. Clase and Ortiz were placed on non-disciplinary leave last July amid allegations of sports gambling, and they remain on leave and are not permitted to report to spring training.

Feb 13

Ben Lively • SP • Guardians

Guardians Finalizing Two-Year Minor-League Deal With Ben Lively

The Cleveland Guardians are finalizing a two-year minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander Ben Lively (elbow) on Thursday, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Lively had Tommy John surgery last June. The 33-year-old veteran is in camp with Cleveland this spring and will continue to rehab from UCL reconstruction and a flexor-tendon repair. The Guardians aren't expecting Lively to contribute much in 2026, if at all. The former fourth-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2013 out of the University of Central Florida only made nine starts for the Guards last year, but looked good when he was healthy, posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and 15 walks in 44 2/3 innings. Lively had a 3.68 ERA with 147 K's and 64 walks in 195 2/3 innings in his two seasons with Cleveland. He will not be a fantasy asset in 2026.

Feb 12

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter to See Time in Center and Right Field in Camp

According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter is expected to see time in both center and right field during camp. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect is expected to not only compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but also potentially carve out a starting role. Throughout his minor league career, the former 16th overall selection from the 2022 MLB Draft has shown high upside but has struggled to stay on the field. Last summer, DeLauter appeared in just 42 total MiLB games, with the majority of them at Triple-A Columbus. With the Clippers, DeLauter held a .278/.383/.476 line with five home runs and a strong 23:22 K:BB. Later in the season, he joined the Guardians in the postseason. If he were to perform well in camp, he should have the edge over Daniel Schneemann in center field or potentially George Valera in right field.

Feb 11

Tanner Bibee • SP • Guardians

Tanner Bibee in Line for Resurgent 2026 Season?

After posting consecutive seasons with front-line numbers in 2023 and 2024, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee's production fell back down to earth in 2025. Across 182 1/3 innings (31 starts), the 26-year-old posted a 12-11 record with a 4.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. Bibee's strikeout rate dropped from 26.3% in 2024 to 21.3% in 2025, while his walk rate jumped from 6.2% to 7.1%. Still, Bibee's 3.62 xERA in 2025 suggests he suffered from some poor luck. His 71.9% strand rate was well below his career average of 76%. Additionally, Bibee was much better down the stretch of the season, logging a 1.30 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings in September and October. Heading into 2026, Bibee remains locked into a starting rotation spot in Cleveland and looks like a quality bounce-back candidate. With a current average draft position of pick 185, Bibee could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers.

Feb 8

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Looking to Build on 2025 Emergence in 2026

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams posted a breakout season in 2025, recording a 12-5 record with a 3.06 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 173 strikeouts across 167 2/3 innings (31 starts). The 26-year-old was able to shake off the injury bug that limited him to just 76 big-league innings in 2024, and now appears to be locked in near the top of the Cleveland rotation heading into 2026. However, there are a few aspects of Williams' profile that point to some likely regression. For one, his 11.8% walk rate in 2025 was well below average for a starter and was a major contributor to his middling 1.27 ERA. Additionally, Williams logged an unsustainably high 83.8% strand rate in 2025, which helped suppress his ERA. If he allows baserunners to reach at the same rate in 2026, it's unlikely that he will repeat his excellent 3.06 ERA. Still, even with some regression, Williams is a talented young pitcher with a solid 24.1% career strikeout rate and room to improve his overall profile. With a current average draft position of pick 150, Williams could be a worthy mid-round starting pitcher option for fantasy managers in 2026.

Feb 7

Cooper Ingle • C • Guardians

Cooper Ingle to Contend for Early MLB Debut?

Cleveland Guardians top catching prospect Cooper Ingle is expected to be in the mix for an early MLB debut in 2026. Ingle joined the Guardians in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Clemson. Ingle began 2025 by making his second appearance at the Double-A level. Through 92 games, the young backstop looked quite comfortable, posting a .273/.391/.441 line with a strong .882 OPS. He would hit nine home runs, while showing a strong eye at the plate, posting a 70:65 K:BB. He would then earn a second-half ticket to Triple-A Columbus. However, Ingle stumbled in his first look facing the top pitching in the minor leagues, posting a modest .207/.383/.329 line. He would hit just one round-tripper during this stint. Given his struggles, managers should expect MLB.com's No. 99-ranked prospect to begin the season at Triple-A. However, if he can find his footing early, he should contend for a first-half 2026 promotion.

Feb 6

Emmanuel Clase • RP • Guardians

Emmanuel Clase Accused of Rigging Pitches in 48 Games

Indicted Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase is accused of throwing suspicious pitches to benefit bettors in at least 48 games over two years, according to a court document that was filed on Thursday. Federal prosecutors listed nine games in which Clase allegedly threw rigged pitches in the indictment unsealed in November. Major League Baseball said it is cooperating with federal prosecutors and declined further comment. Pitcher Luis L. Ortiz's attorney asked for his client's case to be severed from Clase's, arguing that Ortiz and Clase have "markedly different levels of culpability." Prosecutors accused Ortiz of rigging pitches in two games in June of last year. Clase appeared in 197 regular-season games from 2023 to July of 2025, when he was put on non-disciplinary leave by the league. It's still a bit hard to fathom for Clase, who was one of the best closers in the game. If found guilty, he will never pitch again.

Feb 5

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