Every spring, a few names start bubbling up from the Guardians’ farm system - players who aren’t just filling out minor league rosters but flashing the kind of upside that gets fans talking. Last year, it was CJ Kayfus and Chase DeLauter who grabbed the spotlight.
This year? There’s a new wave coming, and while Travis Bazzana and DeLauter are already generating plenty of buzz, there are a few other names that could be on every Guardians fan’s radar by summer.
Here’s a closer look at three prospects who could make serious noise in 2026.
C Cooper Ingle: Bat-first backstop with a chance to rise fast
Cooper Ingle is already getting a head start on his 2026 campaign - the Guardians announced he’ll be a non-roster invitee to big league spring training, a sign that the organization wants to get a closer look at him against major league competition.
Ingle’s 2024 season was a tale of two levels. He hit a strong .308 across multiple stops, showing off the kind of offensive consistency that makes him one of the more intriguing bats in the system.
But a late-season promotion to Triple-A brought some growing pains - he hit just .207 in 28 games. Still, the Guardians remain high on him, and for good reason.
If Ingle can rediscover the swing that carried him through most of 2024, it won’t take long for fans to start calling for his big league debut - especially if Cleveland’s catching situation remains underwhelming. Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges are penciled in for now, but if either struggles or ends up sidelined, Ingle could be next in line.
He’s already shown flashes of what he can do. Just last June, he went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run in a game for Double-A Akron - the kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice. He’s not just a depth piece; he’s a legitimate candidate to contribute sooner rather than later.
INF Juan Brito: A bounce-back candidate with power potential
Juan Brito was on the cusp of breaking through last spring. He made a real push for the Opening Day roster and looked like a near-lock to make his debut in 2025.
But baseball doesn’t always follow the script. An injury derailed his season, limiting him to just 31 games - a lost year for a player who had real momentum.
Now, Brito’s back and looking to pick up where he left off. He’ll be in the mix again this spring, but the infield picture is crowded.
Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio are both out of minor league options, which gives them the inside track. And with Travis Bazzana viewed as the second baseman of the future, Brito’s path isn’t exactly wide open.
But don’t count him out. Brito brings something the Guardians need: power.
He hit four home runs last spring despite a low batting average, and that pop could be a difference-maker for a team that’s struggled to consistently generate offense from the infield. If Arias or Rocchio falter, Brito could be the next man up.
He’s also a switch-hitter with solid defensive tools, and at just 24 years old, there’s still plenty of upside left to tap into. If he stays healthy and puts together a strong spring, Brito could force the issue - and earn another shot at cracking the roster.
OF Khalil Watson: High-risk, high-reward with game-changing tools
Khalil Watson’s path to this point hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been eventful. Once a top middle infield prospect in the Marlins’ system, Watson’s early career was marked by inconsistency and off-field issues - including a suspension following an altercation with an umpire.
But since being acquired by the Guardians at the 2023 trade deadline, Watson has found his footing. A move to the outfield, combined with a fresh start in Cleveland’s system, seems to have unlocked something.
Last season, he played over 100 games across Double-A and Triple-A, finishing with 16 home runs and 17 stolen bases. That’s the kind of power-speed combo that turns heads - and earns opportunities.
Yes, the strikeouts are still an issue, and they likely always will be. But Watson’s athleticism and raw tools give him a ceiling few others in the system can match.
He ended the 2025 season on a tear, hitting .292 with 33 hits, seven doubles, and 21 runs scored over his final 33 games at Triple-A Columbus. That’s the kind of stretch that gets a player added to the 40-man roster - and that’s exactly what Cleveland did this offseason.
The Guardians’ outfield is already crowded, and they’re heavy on left-handed bats, which could complicate Watson’s path to a call-up. But his versatility and upside make him a name to watch. If he keeps producing - and especially if he cuts down on the strikeouts - he could force his way into the conversation.
The Bottom Line
None of these three are guaranteed to break camp with the big league club. Ingle is likely behind Naylor and Hedges for now.
Brito’s blocked by Arias, Rocchio, and eventually Bazzana. Watson faces a numbers game in the outfield.
But here’s the thing: the Guardians had 16 players make their MLB debuts last season. Injuries, slumps, and roster churn are part of the game - and when opportunity knocks, you want your prospects to be ready.
Ingle, Brito, and Watson are all knocking. Don’t be surprised if one - or more - of them kicks the door down in 2026.