Cleveland Guardians: 7 prospects on 40-man roster who could make big impact in 2022

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 20: Steven Kwan #1 of the Cleveland Indians catches a line drive hit by Eloy Jiménez #74 of the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning of a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 20, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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Konnor Pilkington

The Guardians acquired Pilkington from the White Sox at the trade deadline last season for second baseman Cesar Hernandez. Pilkington fits right in with the incredible depth of pitching in the Guardians’ system, as the 24-year-old had a combined 3.04 ERA in 100 2/3 innings between Akron and Double-A Birmingham.

If last season proved anything, it’s that you can simply never have enough pitching. And should the Guardians need to dig deep again for rotation help in 2022, Pilkington will likely be there to help fill in, ultimately projecting out as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter in the long run.