The Cleveland Guardians have had some of their high-profile prospects play in the Arizona Fall League over the last few offseasons, and the same will be the case in 2025.

Earlier this week, the AFL roster was revealed, and here are three Guardians to watch once the games start on October 6. 

Remember the name Daniel Espino? 

Espino was the pitcher who was described as a unicorn by FanGraphs and topped out as Cleveland’s No. 2-ranked prospect in 2022. However, the 24-year-old hasn’t pitched in an affiliate game since 2022 (four starts) due to injuries.

However, he’s ready to make a return to more meaningful baseball this fall after being assigned to the Surprise Saguaros for the year’s Arizona Fall League.

Espino has made 33 starts over his minor league career, posting a 3.57 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a strikeout rate of nearly 41 percent.

Who knows what Espino will look like on the mound after the injuries? However, given his potential, watching Espino during the AFL will be a top priority.

Chase DeLauter isn’t a player who needs to play in Arizona this fall for more development. He’s already proved at each level that he can hit and has the All-Star potential once he eventually reaches the majors.

Feb 29, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (6) catches a fly ball in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

DeLauter slashed .264/.379/.473 with an OPS of .852 at Triple-A this season. However, that was only over 42 games due to sports hernia surgery that delayed the start of his season and a wrist injury that ended it early. 

The attention on DeLauter this fall won’t be on what he can do on the diamond; everyone is well aware of that. It will be whether he can stay healthy and be ready to hopefully start the 2026 season with the Guardians at the big-league level. 

Juan Benjamin isn’t on Cleveland’s 40-man roster and made his minor league debut in 2021, making him eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this winter.

That said, the shortstop has been fairly impressive in the lower levels of the minor leagues. Benjamin spent all of last season with High-A Lake County, recording an OPS of .750, including 26 extra base hits. 

If Benjamin can put together a successful run in the AFL, he could force the Guardians to add him to the 40-man this offseason.