Predicting Guardians 2024 Starting Rotation, Fall Edition
The Cleveland Guardians' famous pitching factory was at it again in 2023 as they developed a number of young pitchers in the thick of a mess of injuries to the core five. How will this affect the rotation looking ahead to next season?
A lot can happen to a pitching staff throughout the course of a year. This past season was a perfect example of that. With that being said, this prediction (as of Fall 2023) focuses just on what the starting rotation could be like on Opening Day of 2024 in no particular order.
Shane Bieber
Let's start it off with a controversial pick. The Guardians have a decision to make with Shane Bieber. Will they trade him or will they keep him?
The 28-year-old only made two starts after last season's All-Star Break and one of them was a little rough at that. It feels like his trade value may not be as high as it's been in the past or could get to with a hot start in March and April.
This makes Bieber a likely contender to start next season in Cleveland's rotation.
Tanner Bibee
The only real question around Tanner Bibee at this point in the offseason is whether he'll be the team's starting pitch on Opening Day. He had a 2.98 ERA in 25 starts during his rookie season and already established himself as one of baseball's best young arms
Bibee is a lock to be in the rotation.
Jun 13, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (61) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
© Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Gavin Williams
Just like Bibee, Gavin Williams is a pitcher who will undoubtedly be in Cleveland's rotation at the start of next season. Numbers don't tell the whole story with his rookie season either.
Williams had a dominant stretch from the end of July through the middle of August in which he made veteran lineups like the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays look lost at the plate.
Logan Allen
Logan Allen's rookie campaign was a little up and down compared to players such as Bibee and Williams. But at this point, there's no reason to think he won't be in the team's plans for 2024.
Allen started 24 games last season and posted an ERA of 3.82. He brings a different look to the rotation being a lefty and that could force the opposition to roll out a different lineup.
Cal Quantrill
The final spot in the rotation is the one that will be the most debated. Should the Guardians stick with a veteran arm? Is it time to give a prospect such as Joey Cantillo a chance?
Cal Quantrill recently opened up about the struggles he faced last season as he worked through a shoulder injury. He did finish the month of September with a sub-three ERA and a .230 opponent batting average.
It looks like the Guardians will have another young rotation next season so a veteran arm in the mix could provide valuable support and experience.
