Guardians' starting rotation is still a question mark

It is clear that the front office of the Cleveland Guardians had one goal in mind this winter, to improve their starting rotation. The Guardians have seen an influx of pitchers added to the organization but unfortunately, their rotation is still a question mark.

Cleveland's starting five is led by Tanner Bibee, with contributions coming from Gavin Williams and Ben Lively. Shane Bieber should be able to help out at some point next season, but to what degree is not known at this time. Beyond the main three of Bibee, Williams, and Lively, who are expected to be part of the Guardians' rotation on Opening Day, is a group of unknown commodities and arms who have not been able to cut it as a major league starter.

Starting with those returning from last year, Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen have a lot to prove if they are going to be anything more than an afterthought in 2025. Both struggled last year in Cleveland, finishing with an ERA over 5.00 and a WHIP above 1.500. In other words, it was an unacceptable performance on the mound. Neither player has been consistent as a major leaguer, and there is a reason why the Guardians brought in external options to potentially replace them if they are unable to get their careers back on the right track.

Speaking of those external arms, Luis Ortiz and Slade Cecconi are expected to compete for some type of role on the major league roster. Ideally, both would be in consideration for starts in Cleveland's starting rotation and could bump either one of McKenzie or Allen from the big league roster.

The only problem with Ortiz and/or Cecconi is that neither player is guaranteed to be better than Cleveland's own internal options from last season. Ortiz has some concerning numbers regarding his lack of ground balls and strikeouts, while Cecconi has rarely been impressive during his time in the Diamondbacks organization. There is a very real chance that one or both of Ortiz/Cecconi do not provide the pitching upgrade this team needs, and very few are acknowledging that fact.

To some extent, the Guardians do deserve some credit for attempting to try and improve their rotation. However, their approach leaves a lot to be desired. Cleveland's rotation needed at least one pitcher who, at his floor, is a middle-of-the-rotation arm with the hope he outperforms his skill level. Instead, they added two pitchers who are likely fifth starters if they make the rotation, as their upsides are rather limited.

Is it possible for the Guardians' approach to their pitching staff to work? Yes, it is indeed possible, but the likelihood of it happening does not seem very high, and until proven otherwise, their starting rotation remains a question mark that has not been adequately addressed.