Cleveland Guardians 2023 Opening Day roster projection

On Mar 9, 2023

Cleveland Guardians' Oscar Gonzalez, left, smiles as he slaps hands with Guardians' Josh Naylor during batting practice on the first day of MLB spring training baseball workouts for the Guardians in Goodyear, Ariz., Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Coming off of a 92-win season and an American League Central title that few outside of Cleveland’s clubhouse saw coming, the Guardians entered spring camp this season with much of the roster already set.

When looking to Opening Day 2023, it’s likely that 22 of those 26 roster spots are already written in Sharpie, barring any injuries. Much of the intrigue around this spring more so revolves around some of the club’s prospects who could make an impact in 2023, like outfielder George Valera or one of the three top-100 (or top-50, depending on which list you prefer) pitching prospects in their system (Daniel Espino, Gavin Williams, Tyler Bibee).

The roster spots still with some mystery surrounding them: backup catcher, utility infielder, the final bench spot (another infielder or a fifth outfielder) and the last spot in the bullpen.

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Here’s a look at a Guardians 2023 Opening Day roster projection.

Guardians catchers (2): Mike Zunino, Cam Gallagher

Mike Zunino was brought in as one of the two signifiant free agent signings this winter to be the club’s primary catcher as long as he’s healthy coming off of thoracic outlet syndrome surgery that ended his 2022 season.

The leading contenders at the moment for the backup spot are Cam Gallagher and Bryan Lavastida. Gallagher isn’t on the 40-man roster and therefore would require a move, but he’s also the more veteran option of the two in terms of handling the pitching staff. Lavastida made his MLB debut last season but received only 15 plate appearances.

The real variable at catcher for the Guardians is Bo Naylor, and when he returns to the majors. Naylor was called up shortly before the 2022 postseason but will likely start the 2023 season in Triple-A Columbus. As a catcher who boasts a rare combination of power and speed for the position (he put together a 20-20 season in the minors last year), Naylor could see sizable playing time once he is called up to the majors.

Guardians infielders (7): Jose Ramirez, Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Josh Bell, Josh Naylor, Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman

Jose Ramirez, Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario return to their everyday roles, with Josh Bell and Josh Naylor handling first base and the designated hitter spots. Naylor could also see time in the outfield this season.