3 overlooked breakout Guardians prospects who could make a spring training statement

As spring training gets started, players across MLB are entering camp with different goals in mind.

While there are plenty of players who are entering camp with a small chance to make their team's Opening Day roster, spring training gives them an opportunity to make a statement, whether it be that they deserve a better minor league placement or that they deserve to be one of the first players called up from the minors when a need arises.

With that in mind, here are three players in Guardians' camp who don't have a clear avenue to a roster spot but can still make a big impression this spring.

These three Guardians prospects have a chance to become a household name this spring

RHP Daniel Espino

Espino could very well be the most intriguing player in the Guardians camp this spring.

A former top prospect with electric stuff with a body that has not been able to hold up, he's thrown less than 10 innings since the end of the 2022 season.

However, this will be the first spring training in a long time that he's going to enter without a rehab plan in place. If he can show that he is healthy and his stuff is still there, he's sure to turn heads.

His injury history and the logjam in the GUaridans' rotation will likely necessitate a move to the bullpen, but if this spring goes smoothly for him there's a very real chance he ends up in Cleveland at some point this summer.

OF Kahlil Watson

Another former top prospect, Watson started his career as a second baseman but transitioned to the outfield last season.

There's a very small pathway to make the Opening Day roster since he's another left-handed hitter, but his ability to play both the outfield and infield gives him ample opportunity to make a statement this spring.

Travis Bazzana going to the WBC should give him some opportunites to play second base, and he has a very intriguing blend of speed and power that should lead to plenty of highlight plays. If he's able to make a statement this spring he'll likely start the season in Columbus and possibly put himself in a position to be one of the first bats brought up when injuries occur. 

INF Angel Genao

While Genao recently became a top 100 prospect, he's still not a household name among Guardians fans.

That said, Genao's one major spring statement away from opening up the narrow avenue he has to an Opening Day roster spot.

A switch-hitter with the versatility to play anywhere in the infield, he should have numerous opportunities to show that his elite contact will translate against MLB pitching.

Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio are the middle-infield favorites for Opening Day, with Juan Brito right behind them.

If any of those them falter (or if Genao has a big spring), he could push for a roster spot, or at the very least guarantee that he starts the year in Columbus. 

When live games start it's always easy to focus on positional battles, but it is just as important for the players right behind those groups. Last season the Guardians had 40 players appear in at least five games.

No matter what happens this spring, any player who makes a spring statement is going to give themselves a very good chance to play in Cleveland at some point over the summer.