Guardians enter 2026 season with championship aspirations

The Cleveland Guardians enter the 2026 season coming off an American League Central title and an 88-74 finish in 2025, when the club advanced to the American League Wild Card Series.

Third baseman José Ramírez again anchors the roster and is signed through 2028. Left fielder Steven Kwan agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, and first baseman CJ Kayfus is signed through the end of the 2026 season.

The Guardians also made several pitching additions in the offseason, adding right-handers Colin Holderman (from Pittsburgh), Shawn Armstrong (from Texas) and Connor Brogdon (from the Los Angeles Angels). Utility player Jhonkensey Noel (to Baltimore) and right-hander Zak Kent (to St. Louis) departed.

Among players to watch this spring are outfielder Chase DeLauter, infielder Travis Bazzana and catcher Cooper Ingle. DeLauter made his first major league start during the 2025 postseason and recorded his first big league hit the following day, while continuing to manage injuries during his minor league career. Bazzana, drafted out of Oregon State in 2024, reached Triple-A Columbus last season and could see time in Cleveland in 2026. Ingle also finished 2025 at Columbus and could compete for opportunities behind the plate.

The Guardians open spring training play Feb. 21 against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, Arizona. The regular season begins March 26 at Seattle.

Notable dates 

— March 26-29: Opening weekend at Seattle 

— April 2-5: Home opener series vs. Chicago Cubs 

— May 15-17: vs. Cincinnati Reds 

— May 18-21: at Detroit Tigers — July 14: MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia 

— Sept. 1-3: vs. Toronto Blue Jays