Roster projection: Not many Guardians spots up for grabs
Coming off of a 92-win season and an American League Central title that few outside of Cleveland's clubhouse saw coming, the Guardians entered spring camp this season with much of the roster already set.
When looking to opening day, it's likely that 22 of those 26 roster spots are already written in Sharpie, barring any injuries. Much of the intrigue around this spring more so revolves around some of the club's prospects who could make an impact in 2023, such as outfielder George Valera or one of the three top-50 pitching prospects in their system (Daniel Espino, Gavin Williams, Tyler Bibee).
The roster spots still with some mystery surrounding them: backup catcher, utility infielder, the final bench spot (another infielder or a fifth outfielder) and the last spot in the bullpen.
Here's a look at a roster projection.
Catchers (2): Mike Zunino, Cam Gallagher
Mike Zunino was brought in as one of the two significant free-agent signings this winter to be the club's primary catcher as long as he's healthy coming off of thoracic outlet syndrome surgery that ended his 2022 season.
The leading contenders at the moment for the backup spot are Cam Gallagher and Bryan Lavastida. The real variable at catcher is Bo Naylor, and when he returns to the majors. Naylor was called up shortly before the 2022 postseason but will likely start the 2023 season with the Triple-a Clippers. As a catcher who boasts a rare combination of power and speed for the position (he put together a 20-20 season in the minors last year), Naylor could see sizable playing time once he is called up to the majors.
Jose Ramirez, Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario return to their everyday roles, with Josh Bell and Josh Naylor handling first base and the designated hitter spots. Naylor could also see time in the outfield this season.
At least one of Gabriel Arias or Tyler Freeman are leading contenders to make the roster as a utility infielder, and it's possible both could make it if the team feels comfortable with four outfielders plus a mix of those two and Naylor as options when necessary.
Outfielders (4): Steven Kwan, Myles Straw, Oscar Gonzalez, Will Brennan
The starting outfield should be set with Steven Kwan, Myles Straw and Oscar Gonzalez.
Will Brennan then offers a lefthanded hitter off the bench who can play all three spots in the outfield.
If the club goes with only one utility infielder, that fifth outfielder spot (and the last on the bench) would feature Richie Palacios and Roman Quinn as leading contenders.
The more intriguing question when it comes to the outfield involves George Valera, the club's No. 3 prospect (MLB Pipeline). Valera won't be breaking camp with the club in a month, but he could make his mark on the majors later on in 2023.
Starting pitchers (5): Shane Bieber, Triston Mckenzie, Cal Quantrill, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac
The first five are set in stone. The question marks regarding the club's starting pitching leans toward the pecking order of young hurlers behind them, and who might get the call first in the case of an injury or another need.
Xzavion Curry, Konnor Pilkington, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, Peyton Battenfield and Hunter Gaddis are creating a log jam in Triple-a. And that's before getting to Espino (if healthy), Williams and Bibee, who have considerably higher ceilings long term and are working their way up the ladder.
Infielders (7): Jose Ramirez, Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Josh Bell, Josh Naylor, Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman
Relievers (8): Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak, Trevor Stephan, Sam Hentges, Eli Morgan, Nick Sandlin, Enyel De Los Santos, Tim Herrin
The first seven spots are locked in. The eighth and final spot is, most likely, between Tim Herrin and Jason Bilous. Herrin would offer the bullpen a second left-handed pitcher.