Three Former Guardians Pitchers Who Could Make Noise in Spring Training
Spring training always brings a familiar mix of sights and sounds: bullpen sessions on back fields, players showing up in peak form, and fans scrambling to learn the names of new faces on their favorite team’s roster. But while Cleveland is introducing a few fresh names this spring (keep an eye on Stuart Fairchild), there’s another storyline worth watching-former Guardians trying to earn their way back to the big leagues with new clubs.
Three ex-Guardians pitchers, now on minor league deals, are heading into camp with an opportunity to turn heads and potentially crack a major league roster. Each has had moments of real promise in Cleveland. Now, they’re hoping to recapture that magic in a new uniform.
Let’s break down where they’ve been-and why they might be worth watching this spring.
James Karinchak - RHP, Atlanta Braves
There was a time when James Karinchak looked like a future bullpen cornerstone in Cleveland. He burst onto the scene in 2019 with 5 1/3 electric innings, then followed it up with a strong 2020 campaign.
His stuff was nasty, his energy was undeniable, and his mound presence? Unmistakable.
Karinchak wasn’t just pitching-he was performing.
In 2021, he briefly took a turn as the team’s closer before settling into a high-leverage setup role in 2022. That season, he was at his best: pounding the zone, punching out hitters, and bringing a raw intensity that made him must-watch TV.
His outing against the Twins on September 11, 2022-just two days after Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli had umpires check his hair for sticky substances-still stands out. Karinchak shut the door on a 4-1 win, fueled by adrenaline and a little bit of revenge.
But when MLB introduced the pitch clock in 2023, Karinchak’s elaborate pre-pitch routine-complete with hair flips and ball twirls-suddenly became a liability. In his first appearance of the pitch clock era, he gave up three runs in just a third of an inning. That rocky outing marked the beginning of a steep decline.
While his 3.23 ERA in 2023 might look solid on the surface, the underlying numbers told a different story. He walked 28 batters in 39 innings and never looked comfortable with the clock ticking.
After spending all of 2024 in Triple-A, the Guardians cut ties. He had a brief stint with the White Sox’ Triple-A affiliate before being released midseason.
Now he’s in camp with the Braves, and while the red flags are there, so is the upside. If he can rediscover his 2022 form-or even a version of it-Atlanta might have a late-inning weapon waiting in the wings.
Triston McKenzie - RHP, San Diego Padres
There was a moment not too long ago when Triston McKenzie looked like a foundational piece of the Guardians’ future. Coming off a breakout 2022 campaign (2.96 ERA over 191 1/3 innings), McKenzie was reportedly in advanced contract extension talks with the team. He was young, electric, and poised to be a long-term rotation anchor.
But that momentum came to a screeching halt in spring 2023 when McKenzie suffered a teres major strain. Later, he was diagnosed with a sprain in his ulnar collateral ligament-the kind of injury that often leads to Tommy John surgery. He opted for rehab instead.
The results were underwhelming. In 2024, McKenzie logged 75 2/3 innings, but the velocity and command weren’t the same.
The Guardians gave him a shot out of the bullpen to start 2025, but that experiment didn’t last long. He was designated for assignment shortly after.
Now, McKenzie’s with the Padres on a minor league deal, trying to prove he’s healthy. And if he is, the opportunity is there.
San Diego doesn’t have a ton of upper-level pitching depth after years of aggressive trades under GM A.J. Preller.
A rejuvenated McKenzie could be a key midseason addition for a team that’s still chasing a division crown.
Eli Morgan - RHP, Kansas City Royals
Eli Morgan might not have had the flashiest role in Cleveland, but his value out of the bullpen was undeniable. After beginning his career as a starter, Morgan transitioned to relief and became one of the Guardians’ most reliable middle-inning arms. From 2022 to 2024, he posted a 3.27 ERA over 176 innings-quietly effective, and consistently available.
That availability started to waver in 2024. Morgan pitched just 42 innings but was excellent when healthy, putting up a 1.93 ERA.
The problem? He landed on the injured list multiple times, and for a pitcher who doesn’t rely on overpowering stuff, durability is everything.
The Guardians ultimately decided to move on, trading Morgan to the Cubs for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario. That deal is already paying dividends for Cleveland-Rosario is quickly rising through the system-while Morgan’s time in Chicago was short-lived. He appeared in just seven games before a season-ending injury shut him down.
Now he’s with the Royals, who already have a solid bullpen group but could use some depth. If Morgan can stay healthy, his track record suggests he’ll contribute. And given that Kansas City is looking to stay competitive in the AL Central, a steady arm like Morgan’s could be valuable insurance.
Final Thoughts
Spring training is all about opportunity. For James Karinchak, Triston McKenzie, and Eli Morgan, it’s a chance to remind teams-and fans-what they’re capable of.
Each of them has had stretches of real impact in the majors. Now, they’re trying to write the next chapter of their careers in new uniforms.
Don’t be surprised if one-or more-of these former Guardians makes the leap back to the big leagues before Opening Day.