The Cleveland Guardians are undergoing changes in their coaching staff while also looking ahead to the potential of their young pitching talent [3, 2]. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, adjustments are being made both on and off the field.
Coaching Staff Updates
The Guardians will be retaining pitching coach Carl Willis for his 16th season, and 9th straight [3]. This is significant, as there was speculation that Willis, 64, might step down after the 2025 season [3]. Willis's return is good news for the Guardians and their pitching staff, especially considering the number of starts made by young pitchers like Bybe, Williams and Allen [8]. However, associate manager Craig Albernaz is departing Cleveland to join the Baltimore Orioles [14]. Albernaz's energy and contributions were valued by manager Stephen Vogt and the front office [10]. Albernaz developed relationships throughout the league during his playing career, which factored into Vogt's decision to bring him on [12]. His departure means the Guardians will need to rebuild a coaching staff that helped orchestrate a remarkable comeback in 2025 [13].
Pitching Potential
The Guardians are considered to be "loaded with young pitching talent," which sets the stage for a potentially spectacular 2026 season [2]. One pitcher who could make a jump in 2026 is Gavin Williams [2]. In 2025, Williams pitched six innings in his lone postseason start against the Detroit Tigers, striking out eight and allowing just one earned run [4]. While his FIP (4.28) suggests some luck was involved, his increase in strikeouts and run prevention demonstrates his development at the MLB level [4]. Logan Allen is another young pitcher to watch [8]. The Guardians' pitching staff maintained a 3.86 ERA, ranking fourth in the American League [7]. The team's pitching versatility was crucial, especially after losing their best closer [7].
TL;DR
- Pitching coach Carl Willis will return for his 16th season with the Cleveland Guardians, providing stability for the pitching staff [3].
- Associate manager Craig Albernaz is leaving the Guardians to join the Baltimore Orioles, creating a need to rebuild part of the coaching staff [14].
- Young pitchers like Gavin Williams and Logan Allen are poised to make significant contributions to the Guardians in the 2026 season [2, 8].
- The Guardians' pitching staff showcased versatility and improvement in 2025, contributing to their overall performance [7].