The Cleveland Guardians are always on the lookout for pitching talent, as is every MLB team.
Pitching is the name of the game, even if it comes via a minor league free agent in late February.
That’s exactly the type of signing the Guardians made this week, securing the services of 25-year-old right-hander Wes Burton.
The young righty pitched in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with the Ole Miss Rebels in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
He also has experience in the Appalachian League (2022), the Cape Cod League, and the Big Ten Conference with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2023.
He also played at Tulane in 2025 as well as the MLB Draft League, where he left a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings with a whopping 30 strikeouts.
“Extremely grateful for the opportunity to sign with the Cleveland Guardians. A childhood dream fulfilled, one that so often felt improbable,” Burton posted on X.
Extremely grateful for the opportunity to sign with the Cleveland Guardians.
A childhood dream fulfilled, one that so often felt improbable.
Romans 8:18#GuardsBall #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/B2Va80Gkmg
— 𝙒𝙚𝙨 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣 (@Wes55Burton) February 23, 2026
He is clearly excited to start a career in affiliated ball, and the Guardians are the organization giving him that chance.
In total, he accumulated a 5.72 ERA in five college seasons, in 56.2 innings of work.
Listed at 6-8, 230lb, Burton is a big guy and generates impressive extension on his pitches, a plus for modern organizations.
Per Guardians Prospective, Burton boasts a three-pitch mix headlined by a heater that sits in the low-90s and touches 95 mph.
He also throws a changeup and a curveball.
Burton is not exactly one of the top moves of the offseason, but the Guardians, known for their excellent resources and personnel to develop young pitchers, will have a potential diamond in the rough with a big arm and excellent extension.
Of course, Burton is not expected to be an option for the major leagues anytime soon.
The Guards are expected to take it easy on him and take their time to introduce him to pro ball.
From there, it will be up to Burton to absorb the lessons and put them into practice.
He is the definition of a lotto ticket, but one that could pay off big time if he develops correctly.
NEXT: Analyst Ranks Guardians' Top-3 Offseason Moves
