The Cleveland Guardians added 13 new pitchers to the organization in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Over the last few decades, the Cleveland Guardians franchise has routinely been known for its elite pitching and arm depth throughout the organization.
Right now, the rotation has been the backbone of Cleveland's success in 2026. However, depth isn't necessarily a strength of this iteration of the Guardians.
Only four of Cleveland's top 15 prospects are pitchers: Braylon Doughty (No. 4), Khal Stephen (No. 7), Joey Oakie (No. 9), and Daniel Espino (No. 15).
Unfortunately, Stephen just underwent elbow surgery that could keep him out until 2028, and Espino should graduate from prospect status later this season if he gets recalled.
Clearly, the Guardians needed to add more pitching depth and potential to the organization, and they did just that in the 2026 MLB Draft.
The Guardians selected 13 pitchers in the amateur draft earlier this week. Those players include:
- LHP Liam Peterson (No. 19)
- LHP Logan Schmidt (No. 59)
- RHP Savion Sims (No. 213)
- RHP Matt Scott (No. 243)
- RHP Mario Pesca (No. 273)
- RHP Ryan Bilka (No. 303)
- RHP Jake Bean (No. 333)
- RHP Carson Lane (No. 423)
- RHP Sebastian Rolon (No. 483)
- RHP Travis Lutz (No. 513)
- LHP Parker Dillhoff (No. 543)
- LHP Zac Cowan (No. 573)
- LHP Parker Coil (No. 603)
May 29, 2026; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs pitcher Matt Scott (10) pitches against the Liberty Flames at Foley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesWhat makes this draft class the perfect restock of pitching depth throughout the organization is that it includes pitchers who could impact the team in the short term and others who are a ways away from the big leagues but still have a ton of potential.
For example, Cleveland's first round pick, Liam Peterson, just wrapped up his junior season at Florida. He's 21 years old and already hitting triple digits with his fastball.
If all goes as planned with the right-hander, he could be a legitimate option for the Guardians at some point in 2028.
Matt Scott and Ryan Bilka, who are 22 years old and have finished their fourth collegiate season, also fall into this category.
Looking at more of Cleveland's long-term options out of this draft class, both Logan Schmidt and Savion Sims are teenagers who finished high school.
Of course, none of these players are surefire prospects and may not even reach the big leagues.
However, the Guardians clearly needed to add more pitching depth to the farm system, and they did just that by adding arms with very intriguing potential.
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