Six pitchers for five spots: The high-stakes starting rotation competition that will define the Guardians' spring

Stephen Vogt confirms Cleveland will break camp with a five-man rotation, creating tension as Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, and Parker Messick compete for limited opportunities.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, the Guardians are facing a high-stakes numbers game with their starting rotation. Manager Stephen Vogt has confirmed the team will open with a five-man rotation despite having six viable candidates - Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo. While the top three appear locked in, the competition for the final two spots is one of spring's most compelling storylines.

Why it matters

This battle represents a fortunate problem for Cleveland - having more quality starting pitching than available rotation spots. It's a testament to the organization's player development but creates difficult decisions for the coaching staff.

The details

The six starters battling for five spots include Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo. Logan Allen will be temporarily leaving camp to represent Panama in the World Baseball Classic, adding another wrinkle to the evaluation process. Cantillo is out of options, so the Guardians must find a spot for him in the rotation or bullpen or risk losing him.

  • Logan Allen will be away from the team for a while as he represents Panama in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Tanner Bibee

One of the six pitchers competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation.

Gavin Williams

One of the six pitchers competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation.

Slade Cecconi

One of the six pitchers competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation.

Logan Allen

One of the six pitchers competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation.

Parker Messick

One of the six pitchers competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation.

Joey Cantillo

One of the six pitchers competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation.

Stephen Vogt

The Guardians' manager who has confirmed the team will open with a five-man rotation despite having six viable candidates.

Paul Hoynes

A reporter who discussed the Guardians' starting rotation competition on the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast.

Joe Noga

A reporter who discussed the Guardians' starting rotation competition on the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast.

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What they’re saying

“It's really hard to hear when you're a guy fighting for that fifth and final spot in the rotation ... one of them is going to be disappointed starting the season at Triple-A”

— Joe Noga, Reporter (Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast)

“Cantillo is out of options. So, they've basically got to find a spot for him either in the rotation or the bullpen, or you run the risk of losing him.”

— Paul Hoynes, Reporter (Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast)

“You can go out there and do your best work and show what you can show, then just let other circumstances sort of happen and fall where they may.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager (Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast)

The takeaway

This rotation competition will significantly shape Cleveland's 2026 season and potentially alter the career trajectory of whichever pitcher finds himself as the odd man out when camp breaks in late March.