It’s an interesting time to be a Cleveland Guardians fan because even though the team is projected to look a lot different than it has in years past, the expectations are still the same. Two-time Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt has his players believing that a third straight AL Central crown is in the cards, no matter who is on the roster and what the team has been through.
The most devastating part of the 2025 season was undoubtedly the demise of star closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz, who both are probably never pitching again after getting caught up in alleged gambling violations. Their absence is still lingering, but their departures have opened the door for some exciting young prospects to step up and fill the void.
One of the first guys through that door this Spring Training has been once-top prospect Daniel Espino, who is finally healthy and is pumping triple-digit fastballs by everybody in camp. He struck out the side in his most recent appearance, and Mason Horodyski of WEWS shared a quote from Vogt about how excited he is about his young righty.
“It’s kind of the 1st time I’ve watched him pitch in a game, because I wasn’t there the 1st time. So I just love his poise, his temperament on the mound… he is absolutely competing his backside off out there and it’s really fun to watch,” Vogt said.
#Guardians Stephen Vogt post game on Daniel Espino's 1.0 IP 3K day:
"It's kind of the 1st time I've watched him pitch in a game, because I wasn't there the 1st time. So I just love his poise, his temperament on the mound… he is absolutely competing his backside off out there… https://t.co/S8BxnoTB8e
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) March 8, 2026
Espino has gone through one injury after another during his time in the minors. All the arm problems knocked him completely off many fans’ radar, but this Spring he has quickly reminded everybody why he was once seen as a future star.
He is still just 25 and this was only his second outing in Spring Training, but this was a glimpse of a guy who can easily be a dominant reliever at some point. Cade Smith has assumed Clase’s role as the closer, but the bullpen is unsettled outside of that.
It wouldn’t be a shock at all to see Espino surface at some point this season. It’s unlikely he makes the team out of camp, but if he can stay healthy and keep marinating, it’s only a matter of time before his number is called.
The farm system is starting to turn some heads, and this is a perfect example of why. This comeback story is one of the most interesting subplots of camp so far, and it would be incredible to see Espino bring that arm to the big leagues this year.
NEXT: Guardians September Hero Might Be In Danger Of Not Making Team
