A New Era on the Mound
The Cleveland Guardians have selected Tanner Bibee as their Opening Day starting pitcher, marking the first departure from a well-established tradition in six years. With the season matchup against the Kansas City Royals just over a week away, Bibee steps into a role that, until now, had been filled consistently by two dominant figures.
Breaking a Decade-Long Pattern
From 2015 through 2019, Corey Kluber led each Opening Day campaign, a role then taken over by Shane Bieber from 2020 to 2024. With Bieber sidelined by Tommy John surgery earlier this year, Bibee becomes the first pitcher in a decade outside of Kluber and Bieber to earn the honor of starting on Opening Day.
Bibee’s Rapid Rise
Only two seasons into his major league career, Tanner Bibee has already been entrusted with significant responsibilities. In the 2024 postseason, he made four starts, posting impressive numbers with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.468 WHIP, and averaging 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His breakthrough season in 2023 featured 25 starts that resulted in a 10-4 record with a 2.98 ERA, a 1.176 WHIP, and nearly 9 strikeouts for every nine innings alongside 3.9 wins above replacement. Continuing his progress in 2024 with 31 starts, Bibee compiled a 12-8 record, a 3.47 ERA, a 1.117 WHIP, and an average of 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings, reinforcing the promise he brings to the rotation.
Outlook and Legacy
At 26 years old, Bibee is under team control through 2028, presenting the possibility of many more Opening Day appearances. His current selection sets the stage for a potential long-term presence in the Guardians’ rotation, though expectations remain high with Bieber anticipated to return at full strength by 2026. The challenge will be for Bibee to sustain the high level of performance expected of a starter who could one day be measured alongside the achievements of his predecessors, whose collective accolades include multiple Cy Young Awards.
Season Opener Setting the Stage
The Opening Day contest against the Royals is scheduled to begin at 4:10 p.m. ET. Facing an opponent in a historic contest, Bibee’s performance will play a crucial role in determining the tone for the season. Since 2013, Cleveland’s pitchers have excelled on Opening Day, allowing just 2.25 runs per game, a benchmark that Bibee will be keen to uphold as he embarks on this pivotal chapter in his career.
