The Cleveland Guardians pitching staff was the backbone of the team in 2025, and it is positioned to do the same thing in 2026 even if there are a few moving parts that need to be settled before Opening Day. The absences of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are still looming over the organization, but there is plenty of talent in the building to smooth over any bumps in the road.
The front office didn’t make any big splashes to help the staff, as it is clear that the strategy within the organization is to rely on the young talent stepping up this season. Manager Stephen Vogt seemed particularly excited about one young pitcher recently and raved about his performance to the media.
Vogt spoke with the media this week after practice and had high praise for Daniel Espino, who is back in action after a long road full of injuries. Espino threw a live batting practice session in camp, and everyone had rave reviews, including his manager.
“To watch him throw a live batting practice yesterday was, I think, a joy for all of us,” Vogt said.
"To watch him throw a live batting practice yesterday was, I think, a joy for all of us"#Guardians Stephen Vogt on Daniel Espino's long road back to pitching#GuardsBall @WEWS pic.twitter.com/LzjJBwMRUJ
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) February 17, 2026
Espino was Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019 and just turned 25, which is hard to believe considering it feels like ages ago that he joined the team. Shoulder and knee issues have robbed him of nearly four entire years of development, as he has logged just 19 innings in the minors since 2021.
Finally healthy, he had a chance to show off that 80-grade fastball and wipeout slider in camp this week and reminded everyone why he has long been considered the most electric pitching prospect in this system. His fastball has gotten well into the triple digits, and it’s great to hear that he is in camp and potentially making himself a factor on the big-league roster this season.
Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com quoted Espino talking about his one inning of work in the minors last season, which was his first game action since 2022, and while it may not have seemed like a big deal, Espino noted that many Guardians coaches and players were watching since they were playing nearby. It’s things like that that show how tight-knit this organization is and how they are still high on their flame-throwing righty.
As long as Espino is healthy, he could certainly push his way up through the high minors this season. It would be shocking to see him break camp with the Guardians, but he could certainly be heard from at some point this year.
NEXT: Guardians' Offense Could Depend On One Young Player In 2026
