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Cleveland Guardians roster projection for 2025 AL Wild Card Series vs Detroit Tigers
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- Cleveland Guardians roster projection for 2025 AL Wild Card Series vs Detroit Tigers
CLEVELAND — The Guardians didn't just stop with earning a playoff spot , they also rallied to pull off a historic comeback and win the American League Central division .
In doing so, they secured the No. 3 seed in the postseason and, in the best-of-3 Wild Card Series, home-field advantage against the in-division rival Detroit Tigers , who won the No. 6 seed.
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Game 1 is set for 1:08 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30.
It'll be yet another series against a familiar foe. And, now, manager Stephen Vogt will have some decisions to make as to the construction of the Wild Card Series roster, though a few recent injuries might have simplified things.
Here's a breakdown of who the Guardians could bring onto their Wild Card Series roster.
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges celebrates after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers and won the American League Central Division on Sept. 28, 2025, in Cleveland.
Guardians catchers (2): Bo Naylor , Austin Hedges
David Fry was never going to be an option at catcher this postseason, but he'll now be sidelined entirely after taking a 99 mph pitch by Tarik Skubal to the face . Still, Fry will be around the team during their postseason run as much as possible. Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges will handle all the catching duties in the playoffs.
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Guardians infielders (6): Jose Ramirez , Gabriel Arias , Brayan Rocchio , Kyle Manzardo , C.J. Kayfus, Daniel Schneemann
Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio, who hit the walk-off home run to finish off the regular season, have played major roles up the middle this season. Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus can handle first base, possibly along with outfielder Jhonkensy Noel , if needed. Daniel Schneemann almost will certainly be a big factor as well, likely in center field.
As president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti noted, the Guardians have relied on the entire roster. This infield group is perhaps the best example of it.
Guardians outfielders (6): Steven Kwan , Angel Martinez, Johnathan Rodriguez, George Valera , Petey Halpin, Jhonkensy Noel
Johnathan Rodriguez had an incredible weekend and will act as a right-handed bat after having to take Fry's place on the roster. Schneemann and Angel Martinez have received plenty of time in center field. Jhonkensy Noel has struggled mightily but, because of injuries, there aren't many other options, and he did crush a home run in the regular-season finale. His defense at first base and his strikeout rate have been been issues, though. The Guardians quickly have shown trust in George Valera to handle a key spot in the lineup at times.
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Lane Thomas , who hit the grand slam off of Skubal to send the Guardians to the ALCS last October, won't be available because of an on-going foot issue.
Guardians starting pitchers (2): Gavin Williams , Tanner Bibee
How the Guardians handle this series on the pitching side is still up in the air a bit. Gavin Williams is expected to take the ball for Game 1. Tanner Bibee would likely take the mound for Game 2.
If a win-or-go-home Game 3 is needed, Vogt would not only have a number of options, but he could lean into the pitching staff's versatility, almost similar to what the Tigers did last October behind Skubal. Joey Cantillo , Parker Messick or Slade Cecconi could act as an opener on a very short leash, and the Guardians could effectively play matchups, potentially throwing two or all three of those starters. It would also ensure no pitcher in that game would need to face any hitter three times, or potentially even twice.
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The only starter in the six-man rotation who wouldn't be available for the series is Logan Allen , who pitched the regular-season finale and wouldn't be available until a day after the Wild Card Series either way.
Guardians relievers/openers (10): Cade Smith , Hunter Gaddis , Erik Sabrowski , Matt Festa , Tim Herrin , Joey Cantillo, Parker Messick, Jakob Junis , Slade Cecconi, Kolby Allard
Cleveland likely will carry only 12 pitchers for this playoff series, giving them some extra versatility on the position player side. Having a few starters available for multi-inning relief appearances, if needed, gives them plenty of length.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians roster projection for Wild Card Series vs Detroit
