Guardians Fighting for an Opening Day Roster Spot

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Guardians Fighting for an Opening Day Roster Spot

Tommy Wild

Tue, Mar 17, 2026 ·

2 min read

Nolan Jones

Nolan Jones is running out of time to prove to the Guardians he can bounce back and make a major impact this season. As the organization determines who will be headed to Seattle for the first series of the season, Jones' status is certainly up in the air.

So far during Spring Training, Jones has just four hits (.125 AVG), two of which came in the first game of Cactus League action, and 14 strikeouts. Many of the same struggles he faced in 2025 are resurfacing in Arizona.

The Guardians clearly still see something in Jones, but he must have a big week to earn his way onto the Opening Day roster, and even then, it might be difficult to see how he fits on the team.

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Nolan Jones against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

CJ Kayfus

CJ Kayfus' chances of making the Opening Day roster dramatically diminished after the Guardians signed Rhys Hoskins; there just wasn't a clear path for him to get everyday at-bats at the big-league level.

That said, Cleveland can't ignore what the 24-year-old has been doing this spring. Kayfus has 30 spring at-bats under his belt and owns a .833 OPS, including two home runs, a double, and a triple. The Guardians know they need more offense, and Kayfus is proving that he can give it to them.

If George Valera isn't ready for the start of the season after his calf injury , his roster place could go to Kayfus, but the rookie must still keep performing at a high level to earn a spot.

Petey Halpin

Petey Halpin may not have been one of the marquee candidates in Cleveland's outfield competition coming into Spring Training, but he's definitely put himself in that conversation now.

Halpin is having an incredible Spring Training, both on offense and defense. The left-handed hitter owns a .965 OPS with a pair of home runs in 28 at-bats, and has also made numerous impressive plays in the outfield.

Depending on who else does or does not make the Opening Day roster, Halpin could be in play for one of the final spots.

In fact, one of the final openings could come down between Kayfus and Halpin.

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