After another season of blowing through expectations in 2026, the Cleveland Guardians will look to continue their success heading into the 2027 MLB season.

The Guardians’ surprising run this past season was due to the dominance of their rookies, including starting pitcher Parker Messick, outfielder Chase DeLauter, and second baseman Travis Bazzana. Fans know how important prospect development is for Cleveland, which means the organization will be searching for its next-best young talent for next season.

Here are three Guardians’ prospects that should join the MLB roster in 2027.

Out of all the prospects that are knocking on the door for the Guardians heading into 2027, it’s clear first basemen/outfielder Ralphy Velazquez is the most important name to keep an eye on.

The former 2023 first-round pick has quickly become Cleveland’s top prospect, as well as a top-100 prospect in the minors. Velazquez began the 2026 season in Double-A Akron, recording a .317 batting average and seven home runs in 36 games. His numbers did not take a hit after making the jump to Triple-A midway through the 2026 season, as he finished with a .278 batting average, 63 RBIs, and 22 home runs.

Whether he joins the Guardians first-base rotation or is playing the outfield, one thing is true — Velazquez will be a key part of the team’s offensive attack at some point in 2027. The power he’s shown off throughout his time in the minor leagues is a positive sign for Cleveland, which is exactly what the offense needs in 2027 and beyond.

After seeing Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder Jackson Chourio shine during this year’s playoffs, Guardians fans should be excited for his younger brother in the ball club’s farm system, Jackson Chourio.

The 21-year-old prospect out of Venezuela signed with Cleveland back in 2022, and despite a poor 2025 campaign, Chourio has the tools to become an impactful outfielder at the MLB level. This past year, the talented switch-hitter finished with a .317 batting average in 22 High-A games and a .265 batting average in Double-A.

When determining his future role with the Guardians, there’s a chance that Chourio could make a name for himself in left field midway through the 2027 season. Outfielder Angel Martinez showed flashes of potential during the 2026 season, but his rough stretch in the playoffs opens the door for Chourio to make a push for the starting job later in the season.

Cleveland’s development of pitchers continues to be a catalyst for the recent success. Between Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, and Tanner Bibee, the Guardians’ pitching staff is fueled by young arms that rose through the minor league ranks.

But the question now becomes: who is the next arm to reach the MLB level?

The Guardians’ farm system features plenty of stout arms that should hear their names called in the coming years; however, right-handed pitcher Khal Stephen looks to be next on the list. Stephen, who was acquired by the organization in the trade that sent Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays, had an up-and-down 2026 campaign. The 23-year-old pitched 12 games in Double-A Akron, capping off the year with a 3-2 record and a 3.44 ERA.

There was an ample amount of hype surrounding Stephen when the Guardians acquired him last offseason. Unfortunately, his first full season within Cleveland’s farm system did not meet the high expectations set upon him, but his combination of age and experience makes him the next man up when it comes to pitchers.