Story by
3 Guardians Prospects Who Could Still Make MLB Debut in 2026
- Story by
- 3 Guardians Prospects Who Could Still Make MLB Debut in 2026
Nine prospects in the Cleveland Guardians ' farm system have already made their MLB debuts during the 2026 season.
The organization remains committed to its young core and giving them opportunities when they've earned them.
Advertisement
With that in mind, here are three more Guardians prospects who could still make their big-league debut after the All-Star Break.
Austin Peterson
If the Guardians need a sixth starter at any point after the All-Star Break, pitching prospect Austin Peterson is likely the man up to join the rotation.
Cleveland added the 26-year-old to the 40-man roster last offseason, so they clearly envisioned a world where he could make his big-league debut at some point this season.
An opportunity just hasn't presented itself yet.
Peterson did start the season on the injured list, but has continued to pitch well since the late start.
Advertisement
He's made 13 starts while pitching to a 4.95 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. Peterson also carries an impressive strikeout rate of 25.6 percent and a whiff rate of 25.6 percent.
The Guardians will play a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on September 4. Perhaps this will be the day Peterson makes his first MLB appearance.
Ralphy Velazquez
A Guardians prospect making their MLB debut at 20 years old isn't a typical progression for the organization, but Ralphy Velazquez could be a different case.
Cleveland quickly promoted Velazquez to Triple-A on May 18 after he started the season at Double-A, and he quickly proved he was ready for the next level.
Advertisement
Across both levels so far in 2026, Velazquez owns a .293/.386/.490 slash line with 11 home runs and 18 doubles; he can hit.
Whether it's at the end of this season or early next year, Velazquez is banging on the door.
If Cleveland doesn't make a move for a bat at the deadline and needs more offense in September, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see Ralphy make his MLB debut.
Columbus Clippers's Kody Huff watches the ball during practice at Huntington Park on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kody Huff
Kody Huff isn't one of the Guardians' top-30 prospects right now, but that doesn't mean he won't make his MLB debut or that he can't help this Cleveland team.
The 25-year-old is having a breakout Minor League season at the plate, with an .888 OPS and 12 home runs. Huff has especially had success against left-handed pitching as a right-handed hitter, which is something Cleveland's big-league lineup desperately needs.
Advertisement
What makes a path to a potential call-up easier for Huff is that he's become a much more versatile fielder. He is a catcher by trade, but has become solid at first base and third base, too.
Bonus/Honorable Mention: Angel Genao
MLB Pipeline has Angel Genao's estimated time of arrival set at 2026. His .886 OPS and 131 wRC+ at Triple-A this season also suggest the 22-year-old is ready for a big-league opportunity.
The only issue with a potential Genao call-up is determining where he plays.
Jose Ramirez , when healthy, is Cleveland's third baseman, Brayan Rocchio has earned his place at shortstop, and the team isn't moving Travis Bazzana at second base right now.
Advertisement
It's not out of the realm of possibility that Genao makes his big-league debut, especially when rosters expand in September, but Cleveland typically likes to have a set role for its prospects when they get promoted.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We'd love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the "Join" button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
