The Cleveland Guardians are once again leaning into what they do best: developing from within. It’s a strategy that’s defined their identity for years now - not flashy spending or blockbuster trades, but a steady pipeline of young, homegrown talent. And while that path comes with its fair share of uncertainty, it’s also the reason this team has stayed relevant in a league where payroll often dictates power.
As we look ahead to 2026, there are a few names starting to bubble to the surface - players who could turn potential into production and give this Guardians lineup the jolt it desperately needs. According to team insider Paul Hoynes, three young players in particular are poised for breakout seasons: Angel Martinez, C.J. Kayfus, and Nolan Jones.
Let’s break that down.
Angel Martinez has already shown he can handle left-handed pitching, which is no small feat for a young hitter trying to carve out a role in the big leagues. That kind of reverse-split success is something managers love - it gives them lineup flexibility and makes Martinez a viable option in more matchups. If he can continue to grow at the plate and tighten up his approach, he could be a key piece in the middle infield rotation.
C.J. Kayfus made a late-season impression, hitting .286 in September with an .885 OPS over 49 at-bats.
Now, small sample sizes always come with a grain of salt, but the underlying numbers suggest a hitter with a mature approach and the ability to drive the ball. For a Guardians team that’s been searching for consistent offense, especially from the corner spots, Kayfus could be a real asset if he carries that momentum into spring training and beyond.
And then there’s Nolan Jones. After a tough stretch, the only direction for him is up - and sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of player who surprises you.
The tools are still there: the power, the arm, the athleticism. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.
If Jones can find his rhythm at the plate and cut down on the swing-and-miss, he’s got the upside to be a difference-maker.
It’s no secret that Cleveland isn’t going to be a major player in free agency this winter. That’s not their style - and frankly, it doesn’t need to be.
Their blueprint has always been about internal growth, and with Stephen Vogt at the helm, that philosophy isn’t changing. Vogt’s already shown he’s not afraid to throw young players into the fire.
Just look at how he handled Chase DeLauter, giving the rookie his MLB debut in a postseason game. That’s not just bold - it’s a clear message: if you’re ready, you’ll get your shot.
The Guardians’ farm system continues to be one of the strongest in baseball, and they’ve built a culture around trusting that pipeline. Sure, it’s a gamble to rely so heavily on youth, but Cleveland has made it work before - and they’re betting it’ll work again.
And make no mistake: this team needs help at the plate. The pitching has often kept them afloat, but if Martinez, Kayfus, and Jones can take that next step, the Guardians could suddenly look a lot more dangerous. Not just as a team that can hang around in the standings, but as a legitimate dark horse in the American League.
It’s a familiar formula in Cleveland - trust the kids, let them grow, and hope a few of them pop. If that happens in 2026, this team might surprise a lot of people. Again.