Guardians' latest spring roster cuts send short-term message to rising prospects

Like every team in MLB, the Cleveland Guardians opened spring training with a colossal spring training roster consisting of bonafide big leaguers, prospects and depth players.

And while Guardians made their first cuts to that roster over the weekend, none of the players they removed from their big league roster were MLB-ready. 

But they tightened that picture a bit more over the weekend by optioning Daniel Espino, Kahlil Watson and Angel Genao to the minors, among other moves. 

Although Espino and Watson were longshots to make the Guardians’ roster out of spring training, they both impressed in spring and seem to have worked their way into the Guardians’ 2026 plans. 

Kahlil Watson and Daniel Espino may be back with the Guardians soon

Espino’s “demotion” to Triple-A doesn’t do anything to take away from a strong spring that’s helped turn his career around. 

After missing all of nearly three years due to a variety of shoulder injuries, Espino made his return to the mound late last season before dominating in the Arizona Fall League. 

He’s thrown two scoreless innings this spring and appeared out of the bullpen in his final appearance in big league camp before being demoted, which could be his role for 2026. 

Stephen Vogt told reporters that he wants Espino to help the Guardians at some point in 2026, so his call-up seems like a matter of “when”, not “if.” Now he’ll head to Triple-A to build up ahead of that debut. 

On the other side, Watson and Genao were arguably the two biggest bright spots on the position player side. Of the two, Watson has the best chance to impact the Guardians in 2026. He went 6-for-14 at the plate with three extra base hits in his time with the Guardians while playing in all three outfield positions. 

The Guardians moved Watson to the outfield in the hopes that he could become a part of the team’s long-term future, and he’s done exactly that. 

While the 21-year-old Genao is still a bit further away from making his big league debut (he’ll likely start the season in Triple-A), he impressed in his first camp since being added to the Guardians’ 40-man roster during the offseason. 

Speaking of young players, the Guardians reassigned first baseman Ralphy Velazquez to minor league camp. The 20-year-old also impressed during his time in Guardians camp, and is starting to look like a key part of the team’s future. 

Although the Guardians still have some frustrating holes on their roster, giving Espino and Watson some more time in the minors is the right decision.

And, if their strong performances this spring are any indication, it may not be long until we see them play at the big league level.