Guardians’ Rookie Starting Pitching Trio Sets Historic Foundation For 2024
In recent years, the Cleveland Guardians have become known by many as a pitching factory.
From Cy Young winners Corey Kluber and Shane Bieber, to Carlos Carrasco and Triston McKenzie, Cleveland has developed no shortage of starting pitchers recently.
In 2023, three starting pitchers who made their MLB debuts for the Guardians were Logan Allen, Tanner Bibee, and Gavin Williams.
The trio combined for a 3.35 ERA, the lowest of any AL rookie trio since 2014 (min. 200.0 innings pitched). These three also racked up 341 strikeouts, tied for the most by an AL rookie trio since 2000, and tied for the second-most since 1974.
They also pitched a combined 349.1 innings this season, the fourth-most by an MLB rookie trio over the past 10 years.
Here’s how Allen, Bibee, and Williams individually fared in 2023 and why the future remains bright:
Logan Allen
Promoted on April 23rd, he was the first of the three to make his MLB debut.
Aug 4, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Logan Allen (41) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The left-hander made 24 starts for the Guardians this season, compiling a 7-8 record, 3.81 ERA, 119 strikeouts, and a 1.40 WHIP in 125.1 innings pitched.
Tanner Bibee
After beginning last season with High-A Lake County, he was promoted to Cleveland on April 26th.
Sep 16, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (61) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The right-hander will be a strong candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, as he ranked among MLB rookie pitchers (min. 70.0 innings pitched) in: win percentage (.714, second), wins (10, third), ERA (2.98, third), strikeouts (141, third), innings pitched (142.0, fourth), and starts (25, tied for fourth).
Gavin Williams
The 2021 first-round pick was promoted to Cleveland on June 21st.
Sep 11, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (63) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park.
© Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
After beginning last season with High-A Lake County, he made 16 starts for the Guardians this season, finishing with a 3-5 record, 3.29 ERA, 81 strikeouts, and a 1.26 WHIP in 82.0 innings pitched.
If Cleveland’s rookie trio can build on their productive and historic 2023, it will be a great sign of what’s to come in 2024.
