3 Guardians players that need a strong Spring Training during World Baseball Classic

While a majority of players on the Guardians' roster have already reported to Goodyear, Arizona, we're less than a week away from the offical start of spring training. For most of the roster, spring training is about shaking off the rust after a winter away.

But for a select few, these next few weeks aren't just a warm-up; they're a job interview.

With the front office standing pat this winter, the pressure is squarely on the internal "bounce-back" candidates and the young core to prove 2025 wasn't a fluke. Here are three players who need to set the desert on fire to secure their spot in the 2026 Opening Day plans.

The 3 Guardians are going to need a strong spring training

1. Cade Smith: Claiming the throne

For the first time in his career, Smith is entering camp as "The Guy." After a 2025 season where he stepped into the closer role following Emmanuel Clase's absence and racked up 16 saves with 104 strikeouts, the ninth inning is officially his.

However, being the closer for a full 162-game grind is a different beast than being a mid-season spark. Smith had some shaky outings down the stretch last year (he blew five saves last season), and we all know how fickle the "closer" tag can be.

He needs a dominant, high-strikeout spring to shut down any "closer-by-committee" talk and head into Opening Day with the swagger a lockdown ninth-inning man needs.

2. Nolan Jones: The power search

Let’s be real: Jones' return tour last season was a massive disappointment. He was brought back to be the thunder in the middle of the order, but instead delivered a .211 average with only five home runs.

The underlying metrics tell us the power is still there (he led the team in hard-hit rate last year), but he couldn't stop swinging through fastballs.

With young, hungry outfielders like Chase DeLauter and George Valera ready for prime time, Jones is officially on notice. If he doesn't show that his 2023 Rockies form is still in there somewhere during the Cactus League, his days on the 40-man roster are going to be numbered.

3. Brayan Rocchio: Looking over his shoulder

Rocchio has the glove of a Gold Glover, but the bat of a utility man. While he provided some legendary "Rocctober" moments, his .233 average and inconsistent plate approach have left the door wide open at shortstop.

The problem for Rocchio isn't just his own struggles; it's the guys waiting in the wings. Juan Brito is knocking on the door after a monster Triple-A season, and Travis Bazzana is looming as the future of the middle infield.

Rocchio has had moments where he's been a spark for the Guardians, but momentary sparks won't be enough this spring. He needs to prove he can be a consistent offensive contributor, or the Guardians might finally decide that his elite defense isn't worth the black hole in the bottom of the lineup.