Guardians Face Roster Battles in Spring Training

Several positions up for grabs as Cleveland prepares for 2026 season

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Cleveland Guardians have a number of open roster spots heading into spring training, with competitions at right field, designated hitter, first base, second base, shortstop, and center field. Key players like David Fry, Johnathan Rodriguez, Juan Brito, CJ Kayfus, Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, George Valera, Chase DeLauter, and Stuart Fairchild will be vying for starting roles.

Why it matters

The Guardians are looking to build on their success from the 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. Determining the right mix of players at key positions will be crucial to their chances of contending in the AL Central.

The details

The Guardians have openings at right field, designated hitter, first base, second base, shortstop, and center field. Some of the top candidates include David Fry, Johnathan Rodriguez, and Juan Brito for the right-handed DH/RF spot, CJ Kayfus, Fry, and Brito for first base/DH, and Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, Angel Martinez, Daniel Schneemann, Carter Kieboom, and Travis Bazzana for second base and shortstop. In the outfield, George Valera, Chase DeLauter, and Kayfus are competing for the left-handed center field job, while Fairchild and Martinez are the top right-handed center field options.

  • Spring training begins on February 15, 2026.

The players

David Fry

A versatile player who can fill multiple positions, including right field, designated hitter, and first base.

Johnathan Rodriguez

A right-handed power hitter vying for the Guardians' DH/RF role.

Juan Brito

A young prospect who could earn playing time at right field, designated hitter, and first base.

CJ Kayfus

A left-handed hitting first baseman/outfielder competing for a starting job.

Brayan Rocchio

A promising infielder who could take over at second base or shortstop.

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What they’re saying

“The competition in camp is going to be fierce, but that's a good thing. It's going to push everyone to be their best and earn their spot on the team.”

— Terry Francona, Guardians Manager (coveringthecorner.com)

What’s next

The Guardians will closely monitor the position battles throughout spring training, with final roster decisions expected by the end of March.

The takeaway

The Guardians have several key roster spots up for grabs, which should make for an exciting and competitive spring training. The players who emerge victorious in these battles will play a crucial role in determining the team's success in 2026.