Did Joey Cantillo show the Cleveland Guardians enough in 2025 to emerge as a rotation staple for 2026? Can the lefty’s improved curveball and durability offset lingering walk issues and claim a mid-rotation role? Justin Lada discusses Cantillo’s strengths, dives into promising pitching metrics, and explains why health and velocity gains are key to him taking the next step for the Guardians.

This episode also gives assessments of fellow 2025 prospect graduates CJ Kayfus, Eric Sabrowski, and Jonathan Rodriguez. The show also investigates the minor-league deal for former Nationals first-rounder Carter Kieboom, questioning whether he adds real depth or is merely Triple-A filler. Plus, Justin breaks down the tools and analytics that drive his prospect rankings.

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The Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a huge deal. Could the Cleveland Guardians trade for Cubs’ Nico Horner to help with struggling offense? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis debate the likelihood and wisdom of such a deal, questioning whether Cleveland’s reluctance to part with prospects keep the club stuck in neutral despite glaring lineup weaknesses.

The show also dives into the Guardians’ reputation as the league’s top “prospect hoarders,” according to a recent MLB Pipeline executive survey. Do Cleveland’s negotiation tactics and high prospect valuations hold them back from necessary improvements? We also discuss farm system rankings, player development strengths and weaknesses, and how front office philosophies impact trades for bats and pitching.

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Cleveland Guardians fans are missing a key roster misstep: the departure of Spencer Horwitz, whose breakout made him one of MLB’s most productive first basemen in the second half. Jeff Ellis exposes why retaining Horwitz could have transformed the lineup, potentially reshaping the heart of the Guardians’ batting order and offering much-needed on-base prowess between Steven Kwan, José Ramírez, and Kyle Manzardo.

Jeff Ellis also tackles the fallout from the collapse of Bally Sports—now FanDuel Sports Network—the effects it has had on Cleveland’s payroll flexibility and raises questions about the franchise’s ability to compete amid shrinking TV revenues. The show unpacks front office strategy, recent arbitration results, the addition of hard-throwing Italian prospect Ettore Giulianelli, and the trade market’s glacial pace. Is Cleveland set to pull the trigger on a transformative move, or will budget constraints keep them quiet as Opening Day approaches?

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

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)

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