Slade Cecconi might be the embodiment of the Cleveland Guardians’ 2025 season. Once a highly touted prospect, Cecconi struggled in the high minors and majors (’23: 6.38 ERA at Reno (AAA), ’24: 6.66 ERA with Arizona (MLB)) and was viewed as a lottery ticket when he was dealt to the Guardians alongside a competitive balance pick for Josh Naylor in the offseason. Cecconi is not the most naturally gifted “thrower” on the staff, but his gutsiness and ability to pitch his way out of jams have made him a welcome addition to an organization built on lottery tickets who bring their “A” game and get the job done. Cecconi’s light has never shined brighter in Cleveland than in his near no-hitter last night, when he kept Royals hitters out of the hit column until Michael Massey broke through with a leadoff single in the eighth inning.