As the Guardians' pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the 2026 MLB season is right around the corner. While some fans might feel a bit underwhelmed by the team's quiet offseason, there's no shortage of excitement brewing in Goodyear, Arizona. This is the moment when future stars start making their presence felt.
Although Steven Kwan and José Ramírez remain the core of the team, the buzz is all about the next generation. The Guardians' front office may take a cautious approach with prospects, but talent has a way of demanding attention.
Here are three prospects to keep an eye on during spring training:
Travis Bazzana: The Top Attraction
All eyes are on Travis Bazzana, the top pick from the 2024 MLB Draft. While it's unlikely he'll break camp as the starting second baseman, his presence in big league camp is electrifying. At 23, Bazzana spent 2025 navigating Double-A and Triple-A, dealing with some oblique issues along the way.
Despite these challenges, Bazzana's hitting prowess has been evident since his college days. Last year, he posted a .245/.389/.424 slash line with an impressive walk rate, and his power is on the rise.
If he lights it up this spring, the front office might find it hard to keep him in Triple-A. Whether he starts in Cleveland or not, he's poised to be one of the first call-ups from Columbus.
Bazzana himself has expressed his goal to play with the consistency and intensity of José Ramírez, highlighting the invaluable experience of being around such a seasoned player.
Ralphy Velazquez: The Future Powerhouse
For those who love big hits and towering homers, Ralphy Velazquez is the name to watch. At just 20 years old, his bat is well beyond his years. Last season, he made a statement in High-A and Double-A, belting 22 home runs and establishing himself as one of the premier young left-handed hitters in the Guardians' system.
Velazquez isn't on the 26-man roster yet, but he's making a strong case to change that. With a .330 average at Double-A last season, he could be the future at first base. A standout spring could fast-track him to Triple-A and set the stage for a late-2026 debut.
Daniel Espino: The Comeback Story
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline is Daniel Espino's return. Once a top pitching prospect, Espino faced a series of shoulder surgeries that kept him sidelined for over three years. Now healthy, he reminded everyone of his potential in the Arizona Fall League, where he was an All-Star, throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings and hitting 100 mph on the radar.
The Guardians plan to have Espino pitch every fifth day this spring to test his arm. If he performs like he did in the fall, he could become a mid-season weapon, transforming the Guardians' rotation or bullpen.
As spring training unfolds, these prospects are set to capture the imagination of fans and potentially reshape the Guardians' future.