Guardians Face Key Decisions at Middle Infield Heading Toward 2026 Season.k1

Despite having multiple highly rated infield prospects in the organization for years, the Cleveland Guardians are still searching for their shortstop-second base combination for the future.

At one point, that combination looked like it could be Andres Gimenez and Gabriel Arias. Then, Brayan Rocchio joined the mix. Juan Brito’s offensive potential made him an interesting candidate. Everything changed again when the Guardians selected Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 overall pick.

Right now, heading into 2026, the Guardians have plenty of questions for the middle infield. Who starts the season at the positions? Who ends the season up the middle? When will Bazzana make his big-league debut? Will Cleveland use Brito more as a second baseman or an outfielder?

During MLB’s Winter Meetings last week, Stephen Vogt gave a little insight into what the Guardians are thinking about the positions at this point in the offseason.

“I think you’re gonna see Brayan play a lot of shortstop at spring during spring training as well, and Gabby [Arias] probably play a little bit elsewhere just to be ready for it,” explained Vogt.

It certainly sounds like, right now, Cleveland is prepared for Rocchio to be the team’s starting shortstop in 2026 with Arias playing more of a utility position, which was his role with the team in 20

That said, Cleveland’s skipper clearly isn’t ruling out the possibility of having Arias and Rocchio play up the middle to start the year, either.

“But with the way those two played up the middle and the way they finished the season strong, you know, it’d be hard to not pencil those two guys in there, playing shortstop and second base,” said Vogr. “We also have a number of players that are gonna be competing for spots. We’re gonna have a lot of competition in camp… It’s gonna be really fun.”

Right now, it sounds like the Guardians want to give other players the opportunity at second base, whether that be Bazzana, Brito, or a trade acquisition. The front office has many options it could go with to start the season, and there’s a very good possibility the alignment to start the year is different than who’s playing there in September.

Just like last year, Cleveland’s middle infield alignment will be one of the most interesting topics out in Arizona this spring.