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Cleveland Guardians roster set for 2025 Opening Day vs Kansas City Royals
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- Cleveland Guardians roster set for 2025 Opening Day vs Kansas City Royals
The Cleveland Guardians roster is set.
Opening Day has arrived . The Guardians kick off the 2025 regular season Thursday afternoon against the Royals in Kansas City . The game has a first-pitch time of 4:10 p.m.
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Cleveland had already set most of the roster before they broke camp, but the 26th man had yet to be decided, with it being noted by front office members that they were still working through some options.
That final spot eventually went to outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez .
Guardians roster for Opening Day 2025
Here is the full, 26-man roster the Guardians are taking into Opening Day.
Catchers (2): Bo Naylor , Austin Hedges
Oct 12, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) watches a foul ball in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers during game five of the ALDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
No surprises here. Bo Naylor's offensive progression is a potential key for the lineup in 2025. If Naylor continues to struggle, the Guardians do have some catching prospects nearing readiness.
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Infielders (6): Jose Ramirez , Brayan Rocchio , Carlos Santana , Kyle Manzardo , Gabriel Arias , Daniel Schneemann
Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio runs after hitting a double during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the ALDS, Oct. 7, 2024, in Cleveland.
Dealing Tyler Freeman brought a little more clarity to the second base situation, which should primarily be handled by Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann to open the season. Juan Brito and Travis Bazzana are both on the way, though, so it might be temporary unless at least one produces. Carlos Santana figures to man first base after a Gold Glove season in Minnesota , with Kyle Manzardo seeing plenty of time in the DH spot.
Outfielders (5): Steven Kwan , Lane Thomas , Jhonkensy Noel , Nolan Jones , Johnathan Rodriguez
Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan hits a single against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of Game 3 of the ALDS, Oct. 9, 2024, in Detroit.
Nolan Jones was re-acquired at the end of spring training in a deal that suddenly became a possibility and came together quickly. Jones and Jhonkensy Noel will see most of the time in right field.
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Johnathan Rodriguez was named to the 26th and final spot on the roster Thursday. He'll have a chance to see at-bats in right field and in the DH spot.
Starting pitchers (5): Tanner Bibee , Luis Ortiz, Gavin Williams , Ben Lively , Logan Allen
Sep 20, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Logan Allen earned the No. 5 spot in the rotation with a strong spring camp. After a down 2024, he's back in the rotation in Cleveland. Gavin Williams has looked much sharper this spring after struggling with injuries last year.
Relief pitchers (8): Emmanuel Clase , Cade Smith , Hunter Gaddis , Tim Herrin , Paul Sewald , Jakob Junis , Triston McKenzie , Joey Cantillo
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cade Smith (36) throws against the Chicago Cubs on March 1, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona.
Triston McKenzie will open the season in the bullpen, as he was out of minor league options but wasn't able to win a job in the rotation. Joey Cantillo earned the No. 8 spot to give the Guardians bullpen another lefty and some added length.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians roster announced for 2025 Opening Day vs Royals
