KANSAS CITY -- The Guardians finalized their 2025 Opening Day roster on Thursday, ahead of their season opener against the Royals.
Cleveland¡¯s final decision was who would claim the final position player spot on the 26-man team. The Guardians recalled outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, six days after he was optioned there in a round of Spring Training roster reductions.
The Guardians¡¯ roster came into focus on Monday. After acquiring outfielder Nolan Jones from the Rockies on Saturday, they optioned right fielder Will Brennan to Triple-A Columbus, along with reliever Andrew Walters. Lefty Joey Cantillo claimed the final bullpen spot.
Here is a look at the 26 players on the roster as Stephen Vogt begins his second season as Guardians manager.
Catcher (2): Bo Naylor, Austin Hedges
Nothing new here. The Guardians are ready to have Naylor take the next step in his development, and they were adamant about re-signing Hedges for the 2025 season in order to help Naylor continue to grow, while providing sound defense as his backup.
First base (2): Carlos Santana, Kyle Manzardo
Whoever is starting at first base on any given day, the other will likely take the DH spot in the lineup. Santana will probably take the predominant everyday first-base role, but this should allow Manzardo to see more time in the field, rather than simply DH. But there¡¯s no question that these are the two first basemen who will be carried on the Opening Day roster.
Second base (1): Gabriel Arias
Arias and Daniel Schneemann are set to receive the bulk of playing time at second base to open the season. Both have extensive versatility, so the Guardians can get both in the starting lineup on a given day. Juan Brito (No. 10 prospect) and Tyler Freeman were among others getting reps at second this spring, but Cleveland optioned Brito to Triple-A on Friday and traded Freeman to Colorado for Jones.
Shortstop (1): Brayan Rocchio
The Guardians made it clear that they were committing to Rocchio at shortstop when they traded Andr¨¦s Gim¨¦nez, who used to be viewed as a potential replacement for Rocchio at short.
Third base (1): Jos¨¦ Ram¨ªrez
No surprises here.
Outfield (4): Steven Kwan, Lane Thomas, Nolan Jones, Jhonkensy Noel
Kwan is in left. Thomas is in center. Jones (a left-handed hitter) is expected to get the bulk of his playing time in right field against right-handed pitchers. He¡¯s made 56 career appearances in right, second most at any position (left, 129). Noel will slot in right field against left-handed pitchers.
Bench/Utility (2): Daniel Schneemann, Johnathan Rodríguez
In addition to second base, Schneemann also played third, shortstop and all three outfield spots as a rookie last season. Rodriguez is a major power threat, having slashed .301/.390/.540 with 29 homers and 94 RBIs in 118 games with Triple-A Columbus last season.
Starting rotation (5): Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz, Ben Lively, Logan Allen
Williams and Ortiz are set to pitch Games 2 and 3 in Kansas City following Ben Lively; Tanner Bibee was scratched from his scheduled Opening Day start due to acute gastroenteritis. Allen won the fifth starter job after recording a 1.89 ERA in 19 innings over six games (including three starts) this spring.
Bullpen (8): Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, Paul Sewald, Jakob Junis, Triston McKenzie, Joey Cantillo
The Guardians have an enviable bullpen, which led the Majors with a 2.57 ERA in 2024. Sewald (who signed a one-year deal on Jan. 22) adds extensive late-game experience to the mix; he has 84 saves in eight career seasons. Junis (who signed a one-year deal on Feb. 16) is a versatile arm who can pitch in short relief, long relief and start when needed. McKenzie and Cantillo were each in the mix for rotation spots this spring. They are set to be length options in relief.