Spring training is basically around the corner, and if you're looking at the cleveland guardians starting lineup today, you’ll notice things look a lot different than they did even twelve months ago. The front office finally leaned into the kids. Honestly, it’s about time. For years, we watched the Guards cycle through "safe" veteran options, but the roster sitting in the clubhouse right now is built on high-ceiling prospects and a couple of bedrock superstars.
It isn't just about Jose Ramirez anymore. Although, let’s be real, everything still starts with him.
The vibe in Cleveland is shifting from "scrappy underdogs" to a team that might actually have some real thump in the middle of the order. If you’re checking the depth chart this morning, January 15, 2026, you're seeing a group that has moved past the transition phase. They are young, they are fast, and for the first time in a while, they are genuinely powerful.
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The Projected Cleveland Guardians Starting Lineup Today
Right now, we are in that weird January limbo where trades are still happening (hello, Carter Kieboom minor league deal) and spring invites are being sent out. But if the season started this afternoon, here is how Stephen Vogt would likely write out the card.
- Steven Kwan – LF: He just settled for $7.725 million to avoid arbitration. He's the heartbeat of the lead-off spot.
- George Valera – RF: Finally healthy and finally showing why he was the top prospect for so long.
- José Ramírez – 3B: The GOAT. No explanation needed.
- Kyle Manzardo – 1B: He’s been hitting the weights this winter. Expecting a massive power jump.
- Bo Naylor – C: The defense is elite; the bat is starting to catch up.
- Chase DeLauter – CF: The rookie everyone is talking about. He’s the X-factor for 2026.
- Travis Bazzana – 2B: The number one overall pick. He might start in Columbus, but he's the "today" of this franchise's future.
- Gabriel Arias – SS: Still a defensive wizard. The bat is the question mark.
- David Fry – DH: The ultimate utility man. He basically plays everywhere, but his bat is too good to leave out.
The pitching side of the cleveland guardians starting lineup today is just as intriguing. Gavin Williams is looking like the de facto ace with Tanner Bibee right on his heels. Slade Cecconi, who came over in that Josh Naylor trade, is holding down the middle of the rotation. It’s a group that prioritizes velocity and "stuff" over the old-school "command and control" mantra that defined the mid-2010s.
Why Steven Kwan’s Contract Matters Right Now
There was a lot of noise about trading Kwan. People were worried his price tag was getting too high for the Cleveland budget. But signing that one-year deal on January 8th to avoid arbitration sends a clear signal: the Guardians want to win now.
You don't keep a guy like Kwan if you're rebuilding. He’s the type of high-contact hitter that drives modern pitchers crazy. In an era where everyone is swinging for the fences, Kwan is the guy who ruins a pitcher's pitch count by the third inning.
The Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana Factor
If you aren't hyped about the middle of this lineup, you haven't been paying attention to the farm. Chase DeLauter is basically a mythological figure at this point. He has the size of a linebacker and the swing of a pure left-handed specialist. The hamate bone fracture last year was a setback, but he’s fully cleared and ready for the 2026 campaign.
Then there is Bazzana.
Most people expect him to force his way onto the Opening Day roster. If he does, he’ll likely bump Brayan Rocchio or Daniel Schneemann to a bench role. Bazzana's .813 OPS in his first pro season was absurd. He doesn't look like a rookie at the plate. He looks like a ten-year vet who just happens to have 22-year-old legs.
The Pitching Rotation’s New Look
The days of Shane Bieber leading the charge are gone. He's in Toronto now. The cleveland guardians starting lineup today relies on:
- Gavin Williams: 3.06 ERA last season. He's the guy.
- Tanner Bibee: The most consistent arm on the staff.
- Slade Cecconi: Still proving himself, but the upside is huge.
- Joey Cantillo: He had a 1.59 ERA over his last seven starts in '25.
- Logan Allen: The reliable lefty.
Honestly, the depth is what makes this rotation scary. Even if someone goes down in March, guys like Parker Messick are waiting in the wings. It’s a factory. Cleveland just keeps churning out arms.
Breaking Down the Bench and Depth
The Guardians also made some under-the-radar moves this month. Signing Carter Kieboom to a minor league deal isn't going to win a World Series, but it provides a safety net. If Gabriel Arias struggles at short or if there’s an injury to the infield, Kieboom is a veteran who has been through the wars.
Plus, we can't forget about the "Super Utility" guys. Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez are basically the glue of this team. They can play six different positions and don't complain about playing time. That’s the Cleveland way.
Vogt has a lot of pieces to play with. It's a puzzle, but the pieces actually fit this time.
What This Means for Your Fantasy Draft
If you’re looking at the cleveland guardians starting lineup today for fantasy purposes, buy high on Manzardo. He’s projected for 25-30 homers this year. Also, keep an eye on Andrew Walters in the bullpen. He’s coming off a lat injury, but his strikeout rates are through the roof. He might be the closer-in-waiting if Emmanuel Clase ever deals with more "personal" issues or gambling allegations (which, let's hope, are behind him).
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Outlook
The Guardians aren't just trying to win the AL Central; they’re trying to build a sustainable powerhouse. By locking in Kwan and letting the young guys like DeLauter and Bazzana take the reins, they’ve created a lineup that is versatile and dangerous.
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It’s a fun time to be a fan in Northeast Ohio. The roster is fast, the pitching is deep, and Jose Ramirez is still doing Jose Ramirez things.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should keep a close eye on the early spring training box scores. Watch how Vogt utilizes the DH spot between David Fry and Kyle Manzardo, as that will tell you everything you need to know about the team's defensive priorities. Check the minor league injury reports for any updates on Gavin Williams’ throwing program to ensure the ace is on track for April. Finally, monitor the waiver wire for any veteran outfielders the team might snag to provide some extra insurance for the rookies.