The Cleveland Guardians have been relatively quiet this offseason-no blockbuster trades, no big-name free agent signings. And with spring training just around the corner, it looks like any major improvements for 2026 will have to come from within. That means the spotlight is squarely on the next wave of talent, and there’s no shortage of young names ready to make their mark.
Among the position players, prospects like Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus are all expected to get serious looks come Opening Day.
That’s welcome news for a lineup that, at times in 2025, struggled to produce runs and ranked near the bottom in several offensive categories. If the Guardians are going to climb out of the offensive cellar, it’s going to take contributions from this next generation of hitters.
But it’s not just the bats that need to take a step forward. Cleveland’s pitching staff-which took a slight step back last season compared to its strong 2024 showing-has room to grow as well. One name that’s starting to generate real buzz is Yorman Gomez, a 23-year-old right-hander who quietly put together a breakout season in the minors last year.
Gomez spent 2025 splitting time between High-A and Double-A, and the numbers speak for themselves. He led the entire Guardians organization in strikeouts (139) and wins (12), while posting a 2.96 ERA and a 2.76 FIP. That kind of production didn’t go unnoticed-he was added to the 40-man roster after the season, putting him firmly on the radar for a potential call-up in 2026.
He’s already back to work, getting reps on the backfields in Goodyear, Arizona, and there’s a growing sense that he could be a factor sooner than later. His organizational rankings among pitchers with at least 85 innings pitched last season are eye-catching across the board: first in strikeouts, first in FIP, first in wins, second in swinging strike rate (14.5%), and top three in several other key categories including strikeout percentage (27.6%), ERA, and home run rate (0.30 HR/9). Add in a solid 121.2 innings pitched and a .205 opponent batting average, and you’ve got the profile of a pitcher who’s not just surviving-he’s dominating.
What makes Gomez’s rise even more intriguing is that he’s done it without much fanfare. He’s not listed among Cleveland’s top 30 prospects by MLB.com, which makes this breakout campaign all the more impressive. He’s flown under the radar, but his performance is starting to demand attention.
Durability? Check.
Gomez has logged over 100 innings in each of the past three seasons, showing he can handle a starter’s workload. And with the Guardians dealing with some uncertainty in the bullpen, his versatility could be a real asset.
That bullpen, by the way, is a bit of a question mark heading into 2026. Emmanuel Clase’s future remains in limbo due to off-field issues, and while Cade Smith has stepped into the closer role admirably, that move has created a ripple effect.
The rest of the relief corps is thinner as a result, and there’s legitimate concern about depth. Tim Herrin, who was a key piece in 2024, struggled mightily last season.
If he can’t bounce back, the Guardians will need someone-anyone-to step up.
That’s where Gomez could come in. Whether as a long reliever, a spot starter, or even a high-leverage arm, his emergence gives Cleveland a potential in-house solution. He’s not a lock to make the Opening Day roster, but if his upward trajectory continues, don’t be surprised if he forces the issue.
The Guardians may not have made headlines this winter, but if their young core can rise to the occasion-on both sides of the ball-they won’t need to. Sometimes, the biggest offseason moves come from within.