There was a lot to like from some of the Cleveland Guardians' prospects who competed in the Arizona Fall League this year.
The Arizona Fall League is a perfect time for prospects on the fringe to get more opportunities and playing time at the start of MLB’s offseason.
Fall Ball finished up a little over a week ago, and there are multiple takeaways the Cleveland Guardians can look to with their players who competed out in the desert.
Daniel Espino Looks Healthy
The most encouraging takeaway for the guardians is that Daniel Espino looks healthy and ready to make an impact for the Guardians' big-league team at some point in 2026.
The right-handed pitcher started in four games over six weeks, and didn’t allow a run and registered a 1.50 WHIP over 4.2 innings pitched. Espino struck out seven of the batters he faced and only issued three walks.
Espino’s velocity wasn’t as strong as it was before all of his injuries, but the 24-year-old still has the pitch mix to provide some sort of value to Cleveland.
Guardians’ Triple-A Pitcher Turns Heads
Espino wasn’t the only pitcher to leave a solid impression in the desert. One Guardians Double-A pitcher also turned heads because of the way he threw the ball: Trenton Denholm.
The right-hander appeared in five games (three starts) and finished with a 2.13 ERA and a 1.97 WHIP, including 16 strikeouts. Denholm even threw four no-hit frames in the semifinal.
The interesting part is that the Guardians have been open about needing bullpen depth, and with Denholm being 25 and clearly pitching well, he might be an option for the big-league team next season.
Joe Lampe Re-Establishes Some Value
Joe Lampe wasn’t supposed to play in the AFL this year, but after it was decided Cahse DeLauter would no longer compete in the desert, he got his opportunity.
Lampe hasn’t lived up to the potential of being a third-round pick, but may have re-established some of his value with how he played in the AFL.
In 14 games, the outfielder slashed .368/.529/.579, including a double, a home run, and two triples.
It’s a small sample size, but perhaps this was the stretch Lampe needed to get back on track once the minor league season starts up again next spring.