The Guardians are in the final stages of solidifying their 26-man Opening Day roster. The team will leave Arizona on Tuesday to head to Seattle for the start of the 2026 regular season. However, some decisions still need to be made by the Guardians’ management.
Manager Stephen Vogt said that the roster is nearly set. He added that there are still a few decisions to work through. Vogt stated that he loves where the team is right now and how it’s shaping up.
Final Outfield Spot in Play
The Guardians have room for four outfielders. Steven Kwan and Chase DeLauter will take two of those spots. It would be a surprise if Angel Martínez isn’t on the team after his strong performance this spring.
George Valera is likely to begin the season on the injured list due to a left calf strain. This leaves one spot open for C.J. Kayfus and Stuart Fairchild, who is a non-roster invitee.
Kayfus has three Minor League options remaining. Fairchild signed a Minor League deal in December that included an upward mobility clause. This clause would allow him to seek an opportunity with another team if the Guardians did not add him to their roster, according to a source.
Kwan is set to play left and center field. Martínez can also play both positions. DeLauter is the only outfielder whom the club wants to keep in one spot. He’s set to play right field and DH.
Vogt said that they want to keep DeLauter as close to 100 percent every day as possible. He added that putting him in right field allows him to have consistency.
Fairchild is capable of playing all three outfield positions. Kayfus can play right and left field, as well as first base. The decision may come down to Fairchild’s versatility and the desire to add a right-handed hitter, versus having another power bat in Kayfus.
Bullpen Spot Up For Grabs
The bullpen situation became clearer after Codi Heuer, a non-roster invitee, was selected to the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Heuer also had an upward mobility clause in his Minor League deal.
Seven of the eight bullpen spots are secured. The confirmed players are closer Cade Smith, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Tim Herrin, Matt Festa, Rule 5 Draft pick Peyton Pallette and Connor Brogdon.
Colin Holderman and non-roster invitee Kolby Allard are competing for the final job.
- Holderman has two options remaining.
- Festa looks to bring World Baseball Classic flavor to Guardians
The Guardians will break camp on Tuesday to head to Seattle to begin its 2026 regular season.