2 Guardians who have played their way into an Opening Day roster spot, 2 who haven't

Every year spring training offers a variety of intriguing storylines across the back fields of Arizona and Florida. While the month-and-a-half slate is there to help star players warm up ahead of the season, it also is a great time for teams to help figure out their roster battles. 

Although the Guardians made it to the postseason last year, their roster is still in a bit of flux as we head into the start of the 2026 season. 

With Opening Day a little more than two weeks away, here’s a look at two Guardians players who have played well enough to earn a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster — and two who have potentially lost their spot. 

The Guardians have plenty of players who are entering 2026 on the roster bubble 

Chase DeLauter is playing himself onto the Guardians’ Opening Day roster

While DeLauter was never a true longshot to make the Guardians’ roster, his performance this spring is a prime example of why he needs to be on Cleveland’s Opening Day roster. 

DeLauter entered play on Wednesday hitting .438 (7-for-16) this spring with two doubles, one home run and four RBI in just six games. 

That’ll play. 

At this point an injury should be the only thing that keeps DeLauter off the Guardians’ roster. And while he suffered an injury scare earlier this spring, he seems to be back to full health. 

DeLauter may not be able to play in the outfield every day, but he should be in the lineup at least five days a week. 

Last year’s postseason was a fun tease of what DeLauter brings to the table. The 2026 season should be a full showcase.