Guardians Manager Vogt Discusses Key Spring Training Storylines

Vogt addresses concerns over Hunter Gaddis, Steven Kwan's outfield experiment, and prospects Daniel Espino and Peyton Pallette.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In a midway point interview, Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt discussed several key storylines from the team's spring training, including the status of reliever Hunter Gaddis, outfielder Steven Kwan's transition to center field, and the development of pitching prospects Daniel Espino and Peyton Pallette.

Why it matters

These storylines provide insight into the Guardians' preparations for the upcoming season and the health and progress of several key players who could impact the team's performance and roster decisions.

The details

Vogt expressed some concern over Gaddis' right forearm soreness, but said the team is monitoring his progress through a throwing program. He praised Kwan's adjustments in center field, noting the challenges of playing the position in Arizona. Vogt said the team is focused on finding the best path for Espino to contribute at the major league level, while also highlighting Pallette's electric stuff after the Rule 5 pick recovered from a shoulder issue.

  • The Guardians are just over the halfway point of their Cactus League schedule.
  • Gaddis last pitched on February 27 against the Cubs.
  • Espino was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.
  • Pallette has made two outings so far this spring.

The players

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

Hunter Gaddis

A Guardians reliever who has experienced right forearm soreness this spring.

Steven Kwan

A Guardians outfielder who is experimenting with playing center field this spring.

Daniel Espino

A Guardians pitching prospect who was recently optioned to Triple-A.

Peyton Pallette

A Rule 5 draft pick for the Guardians who has shown an electric fastball this spring after recovering from a shoulder issue.

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What they’re saying

“Worry probably isn't the right word. But we need to see how he progresses. He had symptoms and is still feeling them a little bit. We just need to see how he's progressing through his throwing program.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager (cleveland.com)

“I think it's been good. I think every time he's gotten a tester, the next time he gets it, he's making the play. Playing the outfield in Arizona is probably the toughest place to play the outfield. But this is one of the best outfielders on the planet and he's going to make the adjustments every time he gets a ball hit over his head.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager (cleveland.com)

“I think we're just happy for Daniel that we're talking about a healthy pitcher. We told Daniel, 'We're trying to find the best way for you to impact our major league team.' We're going to work together with him and the medical staff to find out how we can best support Daniel to get him to throw as many impact innings in the big leagues as possible. That's the end goal.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager (cleveland.com)

“He's made two outings and shown an electric fastball and some very good complimentary pitches off it. I think we were all kind of blown away when we saw 97 mph to 98 mph on the radar gun. That's some really good stuff and he's bounced back well. Again, we're going to continue to build him up and see how he competes.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Guardians have 14 games left in their Cactus League schedule before breaking camp on March 24 and opening the season in Seattle on March 26.

The takeaway

The Guardians are closely monitoring the health and progress of several key players this spring, including relievers, outfielders, and top pitching prospects, as they prepare the roster for the start of the 2026 season.