As spring training kicks off, the Cleveland Guardians' pitching roster is a mix of undeniable talent and a few question marks. One of the most intriguing mysteries centers around pitching prospect Daniel Espino. Once hailed as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Espino's journey has been marred by over three years of arm and shoulder injuries.
However, Espino is making a comeback. After a brief stint at Triple-A late last year, he's poised for what could be his first full, healthy season in a long time. The buzz around Espino suggests he might finally make his big league debut in 2026.
Espino first turned heads in 2022 with a stunning 2.45 ERA over 18 1/3 innings at Double-A Akron. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cut his season short, but not before he was ranked as the No. 16 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline for 2023. Yet, the following years were tough, with a series of surgeries in 2023 and 2024 sidelining him.
Just when it seemed Espino might join the ranks of promising pitchers derailed by injuries, he made a significant return. Spending much of last season rehabbing in Arizona, Espino managed a late-season outing in Columbus, followed by a standout performance in the Arizona Fall League, where he threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings and earned a spot as a Fall League All-Star.
Reports from Goodyear indicate that the Guardians plan to have Espino pitch every fifth day initially, as they decide whether his future lies in starting or relieving. There’s a growing belief within the organization that he could contribute impactful innings in the majors this season.
While the idea of Espino joining the rotation as a dynamic left-handed starter alongside Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams is enticing, a bullpen role might be more practical. This path could ease his transition to the majors and allow for better management of his workload.
Espino's story is one of resilience. Despite his injury-plagued past, his potential remains sky-high. As he stands on the brink of his major league debut, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this season will be the turning point in his promising career.