Analyst Believes Guardians May Have MLB's Next Star Pitcher

Cleveland's Joey Cantillo could be poised for a breakout 2026 season, according to MLB Network's Steve Phillips.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:31pm

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After making the playoffs for a second straight year in 2025, the Cleveland Guardians are looking to build on their success. One analyst believes they may already have a breakout pitcher in their rotation in right-hander Joey Cantillo, who burst onto the scene with 34 appearances in 2025. MLB Network's Steve Phillips is high on Cantillo's potential, saying "The guy I like is Joey Cantillo. I liked him a couple years ago and they brought him in in relief a little bit. He got an opportunity last year. He's an intriguing guy for me, that he strikes out more than innings pitched. I'm encouraged to see what he can do this year."

Why it matters

The Guardians are trying to maintain their status as a playoff contender, and the emergence of a young, dominant starting pitcher like Cantillo could be a key part of that. Cantillo showed promise in 2025, and if he can take the next step as a full-time starter, he could become one of the top young pitchers in baseball.

The details

Cantillo made 34 appearances for the Guardians in 2025, 13 of which were starts. He posted a 3.21 ERA and a 108/42 K/BB ratio over 95.1 innings. The Guardians will be closely monitoring Cantillo's progress this spring as they determine if he's ready to take on a full starter's workload. Surpassing 100 innings pitched seems inevitable if he is going to be used as a starter.

  • Cantillo made 34 appearances for the Guardians in 2025.
  • The Guardians made the playoffs for a second straight year in 2025.

The players

Joey Cantillo

A right-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who burst onto the scene in 2025 and is poised for a potential breakout season in 2026.

Steve Phillips

An MLB analyst for the MLB Network who believes Cantillo could be the Guardians' next star pitcher.

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What they’re saying

“The guy I like is Joey Cantillo. I liked him a couple years ago and they brought him in in relief a little bit. He got an opportunity last year. He's an intriguing guy for me, that he strikes out more than innings pitched. I'm encouraged to see what he can do this year.”

— Steve Phillips, MLB Analyst (MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM)

What’s next

The Guardians will be closely monitoring Cantillo's progress this spring training as they determine if he is ready to take on a full starter's workload for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The emergence of a young, dominant starting pitcher like Joey Cantillo could be a key part of the Guardians' efforts to maintain their status as a playoff contender. If Cantillo can build on his promising 2025 season, he could become one of the top young pitchers in baseball.