Who will make their MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024?

Outfielders who could debut with the Guardians in 2024

Chase DeLauter has catapulted himself into the roster discussion, and rightfully so. That said, he only played six games in Double-A Akron last season and is slated to begin the season there. But DeLauter should reach Columbus quickly if he carries over his strong spring and is under serious consideration for a mid-season promotion to the big-league club.

The Guardians outfield is far from perfect, and much will be learned about long-term solutions this year (again, we hope). Johnathan Rodriguez may prove to be an answer in right field. Rodriguez was hurt by the lack of a 2020 minor-league season and had his stock fall, but a strong 2023 put him back on the map. Though he strikes out a ton, his power is undeniable. His path is a bit muddy, but there's probably a 75% chance that he gets some shot in Cleveland this season.

George Valera has been bitten by the injury bug here lately, but he's not too far removed from being the presumed starting center fielder of the future. Those days may be in the rearview mirror due to DeLauter's play. However, if he can put those injuries behind him and get back to his 2021 and 2022 levels, there still remains the possibility Valera could play himself into a platoon role or possibly an everyday role. However, his chances of making the club are becoming increasingly less likely.

Jhonkensy Noel has crazy amounts of power and is only 22 years old. The two things working against him are his strikeout totals (295 strikeouts in the past two seasons) and his positional limitations, with many scouts viewing him primarily as a 1B/DH type. If Noel can ease those concerns, he should be in line for a promotion and right field playing time.

Pitchers who could debut with the Guardians in 2024

The Cleveland pitching factory had a great 2023, and 2024 may not be as prolific, but the head of this year's class may be starter Joey Cantillo. Given the uncertainly surrounding Shane Bieber and the recent elbow injury to Gavin Williams, there's a real chance that Cantillo is called upon to start a game or two.

The rash of injuries to the bullpen can open the door for Cade Smith to debut in 2024. Over 62.2 innings between Akron and Columbus, Smith had 95 strikeouts. Touching 98 mph, one can envision Smith settling into a late-inning role, and with Trevor Stephan's injury, that should be all the more likely to occur sooner rather than later.

The bullpen will have openings this season, and another name to watch is Andrew Walters. Walters was the 62nd overall pick last season out of the University of Miami, where he served as the team's closer. He's topped out at 99 mph in college but has yet to pitch for any of the Guardians affiliates. Based on his past experience, many believe he could be a fast riser through the system. And with the stuff he has, he could be an arm that is counted on should others struggle.

Franco Aleman appeared in 19 games (24.0 IP) last season for the Akron RubberDucks and did not allow a single run while striking out 38 during that span. He reached 101 mph last season from his pen role, one which he just transitioned to. Hopefully, Aleman's development continues, and there's a possibility that he will debut mid-season.

These are only some of the names who may make their debut this season, and even some listed here may be long shots depending on what those above them on the depth chart do. Nevertheless, it will be fun keeping tabs on each of these guys to see their progress over the course of the season.