Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick has enjoyed a huge season. Messick will be a strong contender to win the American League Rookie of the Year and he could even be an AL Cy Young finalist. It's almost impossible to believe that Messick wasn't even guaranteed a spot in the rotation before the season.

“To start the year… I basically just wanted to make the team coming out of camp,” Messick said recently, via the Guardians. “Once I did that, it was like find a way to be up here the whole season and make a name for yourself. This is my first full season and I wanted to prove I could be a workhorse and just take the ball whenever my name is called upon, go out there everyday and give the team a chance to win.”

Messick has certainly made a name for himself. The MLB world knows who he is now. For any casual fans who may not be as familiar with Messick, they will learn exactly who he is during the MLB playoffs.

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The southpaw made his big league debut in 2025 and appeared in seven games. He displayed promise, turning in a 2.72 ERA. Still, it remained to be seen what he would be able to accomplish in his rookie season in 2026.

Messick has out-performed expectations. It's shocking to think back to spring training and remember that he was simply trying to make the ball club. He's now the ace of the rotation and among the best pitchers in the sport. Messick ultimately finished the regular season with a sparkling 2.56 ERA to go along with 193 strikeouts across 32 outings.

Now, Parker Messick is preparing to lead the Guardians in the ALDS against either the Chicago White Sox or Houston Astros.