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

The 2024 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Guardians (however, that's always easy to say before the season). With any luck, though, it's finally the season we see the club make a long-term decision on a number of middle-infield prospects. And it should also be the season in which the Guardians add an everyday bat or two to the outfield.

Perhaps most importantly, this will also be a season in which we get to finally see some much-hyped prospects finally break through to the majors.

Infielders who could debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024

Deyvison De Los Santos is a near certainty to make the Opening Day roster despite being only 20 years old and not playing in Triple-A at all. That's what happens when you're a Rule 5 draft selection. That said, once he reaches the 90-day service time threshold, he could find himself on the IL, especially if he's struggling and the club would still like to retain him. Expect De Los Santos to see time in the corners and at DH early on. His raw power is real, but the lack of experience against advanced pitching may prove challenging at times.

The first base/DH roster configuration is going to be an interesting balancing act. The aforementioned De Los Santos, Josh Naylor, and even David Fry will all see time between the two spots early on, or at least until Kyle Manzardo is promoted. Manzardo projects as a bat-to-ball guy that the Guardians love but should provide some thump, too. Could he be a Josh Naylor clone of sorts? I think we would all take that, but expect Manzardo to debut sometime in late May or early June.

Juan Brito and Angel Martinez fall into the same category. Both have a good chance to debut this season, but both are at the tail end of the middle infield logjam. Their futures both hinge on what the club does with Tyler Freeman, Gabriel Arias, and Brayan Rocchio. If all three falter, then we could see either one debut. Each has spent some time in the outfield this spring in an effort to gain some position versatility.

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.