3 Guardians prospects who have a shot to win Rookie of the Year in 2026

Cleveland has always been a pitching factory, but lately, the position players are starting to demand some of that spotlight. As we officially kick off the 2026 season, the Guardians aren't just looking to defend the AL Central; they’re looking to dominate the awards circuit.

Most teams are lucky to have one legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. The Guardians may have three. From a slugging outfielder who’s already making history to a crafty lefty and a No. 1 overall pick, here is why the 2026 ROTY trophy could very well end up in the 216.

The Guardians have three players with legitimate shots to win Rookie of the Year

Chase DeLauter: The frontrunner

Let’s start with the man of the hour. DeLauter didn't just make the Opening Day roster; he kicked the door down. The former first-round pick made his regular-season debut on Friday in Seattle and didn't waste any time making an impression.

DeLauter went 3-for-5 with two massive home runs, becoming only the fifth player in franchise history to homer in his first career regular-season at-bat.

He’s already showing that elite barrel-to-ball skill we saw in the Arizona Fall League and this spring. With Stephen Vogt slotting him right into the 2-hole in the lineup, DeLauter is going to get all the plate appearances he needs to put up massive numbers. If he stays healthy, it won't be long until he's the favorite for the award.

Parker Messick: The southpaw sleeper

While the hitters may the headlines in the ROTY race, don't sleep on Messick.

After a gritty battle in Goodyear, the 25-year-old lefty officially beat out Logan Allen for the final spot in the rotation. We saw a preview of 'Messick Magic' late last season when he went 3-1 with a 2.72 ERA in a short stint.

He’s a crafty lefty in the best way possible he won’t blow you away with 100 miles per hour, but his changeup is already one of the best in the system. Because he maintained his rookie eligibility into 2026, he has a massive opportunity.

If he can continue to pitch deep into games and keep his WHIP around that 1.30 mark, he could follow in the footsteps of past Cleveland award winners.

Travis Bazzana: The wild card

And then there’s the 'Australian Sensation.' Bazzana is starting the year in Triple-A Columbus, but after the spring he just had, his arrival feels like a matter of when, not if.

Bazzana was electric in the Cactus League, as he launched three home runs in the spring while driving in 11 runs. He showed exactly why he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 thanks to his elite eye and plus-power for a second baseman.

The Guardians’ middle infield is currently anchored by Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias, but if either of them struggles early, the pressure to call up Bazzana will be deafening.

If he gets the call by June, he has more than enough talent to pull a Michael Harris II and steal the award despite a late start.

Whether it's the pure power of DeLauter, the poise of Messick, or the pedigree of Bazzana, the Guardians have multiple paths to a Rookie of the Year winner. It’s a great time to be a fan in Cleveland.