How will the Guardians' Opening Day roster look?

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Opening Day is fast approaching, and the Guardians will soon usher in a new season. That makes it a good time to revisit what Cleveland¡¯s roster could look like on March 27 in Kansas City.

A lot can change over the next few weeks, and the roster will continue to evolve throughout the regular season, but here¡¯s our mid-spring roster projection:

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
A handful of guys have gotten reps at second base this spring outside of Arias, including Juan Brito (Cleveland¡¯s No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), Tyler Freeman, Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez. Arias has the most experience of the bunch and he¡¯s out of Minor League options. If he claims the job, Brito could start the year with Triple-A Columbus to ensure the 23-year-old receives every day at-bats. Ultimately, with Arias, Freeman and Schneemann¡¯s versatility, each would stand to see time at second coming out of camp.

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, Will Brennan, Jhonkensy Noel
Kwan¡¯s in left. Thomas is in center. In this case, Brennan and Noel would share time in right field based upon matchups. Johnathan Rodríguez is additional depth for right, and Chase DeLauter (the Guardians¡¯ No. 2 prospect and No. 36 overall) could join the group at some point this season. DeLauter underwent core muscle surgery on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined for eight to 12 weeks.

Bench/Utility (2): Tyler Freeman, Daniel Schneemann
Versatility figures to be a key consideration in the Guardians¡¯ roster-building process, and Freeman and Schneemann provide it. Freeman spent his most time in center field last season (731 innings over 97 games), and he also played second base, third and shortstop in the Majors last year. In 73 games last year, Schneemann played every position but first base and catcher. Martinez is another potential utility option. In 43 games with the Guardians last season, he played second and third base, and each outfield spot.

Starting rotation (5): Tanner Bibee, Luis Ortiz, Gavin Williams, Ben Lively, Triston McKenzie
It¡¯s all going to come down to the fifth spot. McKenzie will try to prove that last year¡¯s struggles are a thing of the past and that he can once again be trusted to take the ball every fifth day. He¡¯s also out of Minor League options. Ortiz should be a nice addition to this rotation despite an up-and-down start to Cactus League play. Williams has shined so far this spring. No team ever feels like they have enough rotation depth, but the Guardians have many arms who are continuing to stretch out in camp, including Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, Doug Nikhazy, Slade Cecconi and Kolby Allard, which could help ensure Cleveland has coverage if needed.

Bullpen (8): Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, Paul Sewald, Jakob Junis, Andrew Walters, Kolby Allard
Clase, Smith, Gaddis, Herrin and Sewald are all locks, assuming they stay healthy this spring. 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. Walters impressed down the stretch last season after making his MLB debut on Sept. 12, but he was slowed by right shoulder stiffness early in camp. He threw a bullpen on March 9, and if he needs more time to build up, Cecconi is another potential right-handed option.

There¡¯s intrigue with the bullpen picture from a left-handed perspective. Erik Sabrowski is likely to begin the season on the injured list with left elbow inflammation. If the Guardians want to carry a second southpaw beyond Herrin out of camp, Allard and Parker Mushinski are non-roster invitee candidates. If one of them made the team, it could allow southpaws Cantillo, Allen and Nikhazy to continue stretching out in the Minors, though Allen has made a big impression so far and is a potential X-factor here.