Gavin Williams, Kolby Allard, Logan Allen making Opening Day cases for Guardians this spring

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Gavin Williams, Kolby Allard, Logan Allen making Opening Day cases for Guardians this spring

Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Tue, Mar 18, 2025 ·

4 min read

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Spring training baseball finds the intersection of optimistic analysis and statistical caution.

The Guardians the other 29 clubs have a number of difficult to decisions to make before they break camp, leave their respective facilities and prepare for Opening Day . Roster construction brings into it a number of factors outside some players' control, including minor league options and development plans.

It leaves teams with the challenge of sorting through a number of roster decisions while also understanding that spring training stats rarely tell the whole — or maybe even half — the story. One hitter might face a veteran who's just working on one pitch that day, making for an easy matchup. And with such a small sample size, it could skew the numbers enough to throw them out.

Then again, how players are performing in spring camp happens to be the most recent gauge, and it's part of the process. So with the understanding that it's important to note how spring training statistics cannot simply be taken at face value because they are never the full story, here are three position players and three pitchers who are making their cases for the Opening Day roster, or possibly larger roles, with just over a week of spring training left.

Kyle Manzardo

Kyle Manzardo was already in line to receive a heavy volume of at-bats in the designated hitter spot to open the season with Carlos Santana coming off a Gold Glove year at first base and David Fry to open 2025 on the injured list. And he's furthering that point in Cactus League play by hitting .368 with a 1.071 OPS, three home runs, two doubles, seven RBIs and two walks.

Manzardo also ended last season on a high note , hitting .270 with an .873 OPS and five home runs in 23 games in September, so he's carrying with him some momentum into the 2025 season.

Daniel Schneemann

The Guardians still have to figure out how they'll divvy up at-bats at second base between a few contenders, including Gabriel Arias , Tyler Freeman , Daniel Schneemann, Angel Martinez and possibly Juan Brito and Travis Bazzana .

Schneemann appears to have his swing in a positive place, hitting .321 (9 for 28) with a 1.085 OPS, two home runs, two doubles, a triple, four RBIs and four walks thus far in Arizona . The Guardians should have room for some utility infielders — considering they can play the outfield — on the bench, so second base could be heavily match-up based until Brito or Bazzana have a chance to take over.

But, for now, Schneemann is keeping himself in the conversation.

Tyler Freeman

Freeman is also having a nice Cactus League slate of games, hitting .300 with a .400 on-base percentage, one home run, three doubles, one triple, four RBIs and three walks.

Schneemann, a lefty, could pair with Freeman as a righty along with Arias, who might have the upper hand on both because of his defense. Manager Stephen Vogt doesn't like the term "platoon," but something approaching that concept might be the path for the Guardians.

Will Brennan

The Guardians have been hoping for some stability in right field. Chase DeLauter , a top-100 prospect, is again injured , meaning he won't be an option for several weeks, possibly even a few months.

Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel could see a timeshare in right field. The former, who could be entering a crucial season with the need to take a step forward, has had a productive spring, hitting .290 with two home runs, two doubles and five RBIs.

Johnathan Rodriguez could be a factor, though the Guardians might opt for him to receive everyday at-bats in Triple-A.

Gavin Williams

Perhaps no Guardians player is having a more eye-opening spring training than Gavin Williams , who is coming off a down 2024. Through Monday, Williams had a 1.13 ERA in eight innings with 16 strikeouts and only five hits allowed.

By all accounts, Williams looks to be back on track after being derailed a year ago. The Opening Day rotation should include Tanner Bibee , Luis Ortiz, Williams and Ben Lively , with the fifth spot still open.

Kolby Allard

Kolby Allard, a lefty, is in camp as a non-roster invitee and has put himself firmly in the middle of the discussion for a roster spot, either as the No. 5 starter or as another left-hander in the bullpen.

Allard has struck out nine in 11 innings while allowing two earned runs and nine hits for a 1.64 ERA. If Triston McKenzie can't show that his command his back, it might further clear the path for someone not on the 40-man roster to find a path to Opening Day.

Logan Allen

Speaking of the No. 5 spot, and possibly another left-hander joining the mix, Logan Allen has a 1.88 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 14⅓ innings this spring. It's a much sharper look than when he struggled in Triple-A Columbus last year.

The Guardians might still see the need for some more work, but Allen is already on the 40-man roster and has a chance to nab a roster spot.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians spring training standouts include Gavin Williams

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