Daniel Espino

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Daniel Espino could potentially be a candidate to join the team's starting rotation in 2027, per Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Meisel reports that the Guardians' decision-makers are currently unsure whether to keep Espino in a bullpen role or attempt to stretch him out as a starter. A former top prospect, the 25-year-old has battled numerous injury setbacks in his career, including two shoulder surgeries. He finally made his way to the big leagues in 2026, recording a 4.11 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 25 strikeouts across 15 1/3 innings (14 games). Espino averaged 98.5 miles per hour on his fastball, and he has routinely posted impressive strikeout rates when healthy in his pro career. If the Guardians decide his arm can handle a starter's workload, he could be an intriguing target for fantasy managers.