In stark contrast to the high-profile NFL and NBA drafts, it usually takes a lot longer for a first-round MLB Draft pick to make an impression in their league. While more players are making an immediate impact recently, the traditional development system in baseball makes use of at least some time in the minor leagues.
The Cleveland Guardians are a perfect example of this. Look no further than rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft but did not debut until a month into the 2026 season. Now, he is a first-time All-Star Game selection for the American League.
Cleveland used its first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson from the University of Florida. The Guardians are well-known for developing pitchers, taking a patient approach at the important but delicate position.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report analyst Zachary D. Rymer is predicting when the new Guardians pitcher could be called up to the majors, putting the 2028 season as a target date.
“ETA: Early 2028,” Rymer wrote. “There’s also, of course, the Guardians element of all this. Save for maybe the Seattle Mariners, nobody develops pitchers like they do. Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee and Parker Messick are living proof of it. So if there is a tweak to be made with Peterson, they should be able to make it. And since there is an opening for an impact arm behind the front three in their rotation, there won’t be any point in the Guardians holding him back once he’s ready.”
Peterson needs time in the minors, as his college results did not necessarily match up with his high-level talent. In three seasons, he had a 14-16 record with a 5.03 ERA, and in 216.2 innings, he recorded 284 strikeouts, but he also allowed 215 hits, 112 walks, and 35 home runs.
The development process can be longer for pitchers as it is, as they often do not get to work enough innings in high school or college. With an increased injury risk always existing at the position, it is often better to be safe than sorry.
Using recent Guardians pitchers as an example, two years would be a realistic timetable for Peterson. Williams was a first-round pick and Bibee was a fifth-round pick in 2021 and each made his MLB debut in 2023, and Messick was a second-round pick in 2022 and debuted in 2025.
Cleveland has a formula that has proven to be very successful, and they are hopeful Peterson can become the latest product of it.
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