3 exciting Guardians minor-leaguers we're glad aren't on 40-man roster for MLB lockout

On Saturday, Guardians pitching prospect Austin Peterson made his big league debut for the Guardians by tossing two scoreless innings.

That debut was a long time coming for the 26-year-old, who was added to the Guardians' 40-man roster in the offseason. While Peterson's debut made him a big leaguer, the mere fact that he was already a part of the team's 40-man roster meant that he was going to be considered a big leaguer when it comes to a potential lockout.

Regardless of whether a lockout lasts two months or two years after the current CBA expires in December, the only players who would be those on a team’s active and 40-man roster, which means that any minor league player would be able to keep playing. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at three Guardians minor leaguers not on the team’s 40-man roster who would become must-watch TV if part of the 2027 season gets wiped away. 

The Guardians have some promising prospects who would be able to play in the 2027 lockout

1B Ralphy Velazquez

While it's frustrating that Velazquez has yet to make his debut with the Guardians, the one bright spot is that he’d be eligible to play next year regardless of what happens with next year’s big league season. 

It’s only right that this list comes on the back of Velazquez’s dominant August where he recorded a .256/.433/.867 slashline with 15 home runs and 34 RBI. 

He has a .933 OPS with 28 home runs and 89 RBI in 114 games across Double-A and Triple-A despite still being just 21.

He has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, but the one bright spot from him staying in Columbus is that it affords him the ability to play next year. 

OF Jaison Chourio

It wasn’t that long ago that Chourio was thought of as one of the best position players in the Guardians’ system. While that standing has taken a bit of a hit due to some struggles (and Cleveland’s influx of young talent), he’s bounced back this season with a .792 OPS in 105 games across Double-A and High-A. 

The 21-year-old Chourio should start next season in Triple-A, which could set up an interesting situation if/when the 2027 season begins. The Guardians outfield seems set right now thanks to Chase DeLauter, Steven Kwan and Jo Adell, but we know how quickly things can change. 

A strong season from Chourio could turn him into one of the most tradeable prospects in baseball (if he isn’t dealt before then). 

RHP Justin Campbell

While the Guardians drafted Campbell in 2022, he didn’t make his debut until this April due to right elbow surgery (May 2023), Tommy John surgery (April 2024) and right wrist surgery (October 2024). 

He started this season at High-A before quickly getting moved to Double-A. He got promoted to Triple-A in July, but was placed on the injured list with an oblique injury in the first inning of his debut at the level. 

He returned at the end of August and entered the weekend with 9 2/3 scoreless innings under his belt at Triple-A. 

The 25-year-old may not have a ton of minor league innings under his belt because of those injuries, but it’s hard to believe that would impact his ability to make the Guardians’ roster next season. 

Campbell should open next season as the Clippers’ No. 1 starter, but that could be a precursor to him making his MLB debut next season (especially if they don’t bring back Foster Griffin). 

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