Tanner Bibee, Luis L. Ortiz, and Gavin Williams are almost certain to be in the Cleveland Guardians’ rotation by Opening Day 2025.
The candidates for the final two seats are Triston McKenzie, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Ben Lively, Jakob Junis, Vince Velazquez, Kolby Allard, and others.
After that, there are prospects that have a shot to make the MLB staff.
Doug Nikhazy, a left-hander, belongs to the latter category.
To say he faces an uphill battle is an understatement.
However, the southpaw had another strong outing and refuses to let up until the management cuts him or he joins the talented Cleveland roster.
“2.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 2K, 1BB, and a Spring Training win for Doug Nikhazy,” GuardsInsider said on X.
Doug Nikhazy wins Spring Training with 2.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 2K, 1BB 🔥 #GuardsSpring pic.twitter.com/M8ZdP447cG
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider), February 28, 2025
Nikhazy also went two scoreless innings in his spring debut against the Los Angeles Angels, with no walks and two strikeouts.
As a result, he has four scoreless, hitless innings with a single walk and four strikeouts.
The 25-year-old continues to impress, and despite stiff competition, he wants a position on the Guardians’ staff.
He demonstrated last year that he can excel in Double-A (3.17 ERA) and Triple-A (2.87 ERA).
Yes, he could need some more strikeouts.
And, yeah, he can raise his walk rate slightly (10.8 percent for Columbus).
However, Nikhazy is likely MLB-ready right now, even if his upside is not that of an ace.
If given the opportunity, he has the potential to be a strong mid-rotation or back-end option.
Will the Guardians offer him one?
