CRYSTAL BALL: Cleveland Guardians ROSTER PROJECTION 1.0 | What Brendan Donovan Could Add to Lineup

Cleveland Guardians round out their coaching staff as Stephen Vogt brings in former Seattle Mariners colleague Tony Arnerich as bench coach—can this new dynamic spark a fresh approach for the Guardians’ dugout? Justin Lada highlights the importance of diverse perspectives on the staff and analyzes what Arnerich’s catching and hitting expertise will mean for Cleveland’s player development and game strategy. Projecting the 2026 Opening Day roster, Justin Lada suggests bold moves, including a potential trade for St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan and key roles for exciting young talents like Chase DeLauter and George Valera. The episode breaks down likely rotation arms such as Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee, bullpen targets like Phil Maton and Shawn Armstrong, and the value of platoon bats like Rob Refsnyder. Will Cleveland build a deeper, more flexible lineup for a playoff charge while balancing player growth and trade capital? 05:12 Vote's Staffing Strategy in Cleveland 09:17 2026 Roster Projection 14:59 Guardians Trade Rumor Discussion 18:51 Cleveland's Trade Options Debate 21:43 "Kwan Future and DeLauter's Spot 26:33 Guardians' Offseason Moves Analyzed 30:24 Guardians' Success Hinges on Pitching Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/ #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.