The Cleveland Guardians have several prospects who could make their MLB debut during the 2026 season.
The Cleveland Guardians are relying on their young players to be what gets the team over their playoff hump.
Some of the players that could alter the franchise aren't even at the big-league level yet. With that, here are three Guardians prospects who could make their MLB debut in 2026.
Travis Bazzana
There’s a chance Travis Bazzana could have made his big league debut during the second half of the 2025 season if he hadn’t missed time with an oblique injury during the summer months. With that, it would be shocking if the No. 1 pick from the 2024 draft isn’t playing in Cleveland by the end of 2026.
The Guardians promoted Bazzana to Triple-A on August 11, and it didn’t take long for the 23-year-old to find his rhythm at the next level. In 89 at-bats, the left-hander logged a .858 OPS, including three doubles, two triples, and four home runs.
The most likely scenario is for Bazzana to start the season at Triple-A and join the big-league roster before the All-Star Break.
Cleveland Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana warms up before the start of Akron RubberDucks home opener against Altoona Curve. Tuesday, April 08, 2025. © Julie Vennitti Botos / Canton Repository / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesJuan Brito
Juan Brito is another prospect who was in line to debut in 2025, but had his call-up delayed due to a pair of injuries.
The 24-year-old was limited to just 31 games last year due to a thumb and hamstring injury. Still, he managed to record a .792 OPS when he was on the field, and carried with him a minor league career slash line of .273/.382/.449.
Brio can play either second base or right field, which are two positions that the Guardians are looking for more offense from. Considering what the team needs, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Brito make his MLB debut as soon as Opening Day.
Khal Stephen
Khal Stephen will forever be tied to Cy Young winning pitcher Shane Bieber, considering he was the lone piece the Guardians got back in return from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Cleveland likely won’t rush Stephen’s debut since he’s on line to start next season at Double-A, made only five starts at that level, and did miss some time with a shoulder injury last year.
However, MLB Pipeline’s ETA for Stephen is set for 2026. An early-season debut doesn’t feel like it’s in the cards, but he could be an option for the Guardians come August or September if the 23 continues his encouraging development.