3 Guardians pitching prospects who could make their MLB debut in 2026

With the start of spring training right around the corner, that familiar buzz is back in the air. For Cleveland Guardians fans, that buzz usually sounds like a 98 mile per hour fastball hitting a catcher's mitt.

The Guardians' ability to develop pitching is the envy of the league, and 2026 looks like it’s going to provide a fresh crop of talent.

As we look toward the upcoming season, here are three high-octane pitching prospects who are primed to make their Major League debut in 2026 and help keep Cleveland at the top of the standings.

The Guardians have plenty of young pitching prospects who could help them win in 2026

1. Khal Stephen

The first pitcher we'll focus on is the man carrying the weight of a franchise legend on his shoulders. The Guardians acquired Stephen from the Blue Jays at the deadline in their one-for-one trade of Shane Bieber, and he's a 6-foot-4 right-hander who looks every bit the part of a frontline starter.

The Arsenal: His fastball sits comfortably between 92–94 mph, but don't let that fool you; he’s shown the ability to crank it up to 97 mph when he needs a big strikeout.

The Secondary Stuff: He pairs that heat with a "plus" changeup that keeps hitters off-balance and a slider that can only be described as beautiful.

The X-Factor: What really sets Stephen apart is his ability to paint the strike zone consistently. He doesn’t beat himself with walks.

If he puts together a strong showing in the spring and carries that momentum into the early minor league schedule, we could see him pitching meaningful innings at Progressive Field sooner rather than later.

2. Daniel Espino

Espino is the prospect all of Cleveland has been holding their breath for since the time the Guardians drafted him the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Espino has teased Guardians fans with electric stuff in the minors, but injuries have kept him on the sidelines. However, 2026 feels different.

Espino absolutely cleaned up in the Fall League, and could work his way into the big league picture in 2026 so long as he stays healthy.

Grade-A Heat: We’re talking about an 80-grade fastball — it's the kind of velocity that makes professional hitters look like they’re swinging underwater.

The Strategy: Because health has been the primary hurdle, there is a lot of talk about moving him to the bullpen. Shortening his outings could alleviate the stress of a heavy starter’s workload, allowing him to turn it loose for 1–2 innings at a time.

Seeing Espino come out of the 'pen to close out a game with that nasty slider and triple-digit heat? That’s a ticket to the The Show we’d all love to see punched.

3. Peyton Pallette

Rounding out the list is Pallette, a name that should be on every fan’s radar because of his unique situation. The Guardians picked Pallette from the White Sox in the Rule 5 Draft, which means that he's almost guaranteed to start the year on the Major League roster so long as he has a good showing in the spring.

The Pedigree: Once projected as a first-round pick in 2022, Pallette slid in the draft after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Cleveland saw the value that others missed.

The Role: Expect Pallette to find a home in the Guardians' bullpen this year. He utilizes a 60-grade fastball to eat innings and challenge hitters vertically.

If the "Pitching Factory" has worked its magic on his recovery and mechanics, Pallette could become a high-leverage weapon for us by mid-summer.