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Guardians Pitcher Joey Cantillo Looks to Build on Late-Season Surge
The left-hander will get the start in the team's spring training opener as he aims to solidify a role in the rotation.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:55pm
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Joey Cantillo, a left-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, is looking to build on a strong finish to the 2025 season as he enters spring training. After struggling in his first two MLB seasons, Cantillo found his groove late last year, posting a 2-0 record and 1.00 ERA over his final three starts. The Guardians are hoping Cantillo can carry that momentum into 2026 and cement a spot in their starting rotation.
Why it matters
The Guardians are counting on their pitching staff to lead the way in 2026 after making bullpen additions a priority this offseason. Cantillo's development is crucial, as the team looks to solidify its rotation behind ace Shane Bieber.
The details
Cantillo will get the start in the Guardians' spring training opener on Saturday, February 21st. The team wants to see Cantillo build on the improvements he made late last season, when he started to better command his fastball and generate more swings and misses with his breaking pitches. Efficiency will also be a focus, as Cantillo struggled at times to work deep into games. If he can put it all together this spring, Cantillo could secure a defined role in the Guardians' rotation coming out of camp.
- Cantillo made his MLB debut in 2024, posting a 4.89 ERA in 38.2 innings over 9 starts.
- In 2025, Cantillo transitioned between starting and relieving before finding success as a starter late in the season.
- Over his final 3 starts in 2025, Cantillo went 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA, striking out 16 batters in 18 innings.
- Cantillo will start the Guardians' spring training opener on Saturday, February 21st.
The players
Joey Cantillo
A left-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who is looking to solidify a spot in the team's starting rotation after a strong finish to the 2025 season.
Shane Bieber
The ace of the Cleveland Guardians' pitching staff, who will lead the team's rotation in 2026.
What they’re saying
“I think it's mostly just trusting my stuff and landing everything in the strike zone. I've got unique shapes. I've got the big curveball, the changeup, and a good fastball. I'm also mixing in the slider a little bit more; having that to throw against lefties helps me out a lot. Throwing four pitches competitively in the strike zone plays.”
— Joey Cantillo
What’s next
The Guardians will be closely monitoring Cantillo's performance and development throughout spring training as they look to solidify their starting rotation for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
After struggling in his first two MLB seasons, Joey Cantillo showed flashes of his potential late in 2025. If he can build on that momentum and refine his command and pitch mix this spring, Cantillo could cement a key role in the Guardians' rotation and help anchor their pitching staff in 2026.
