The Guardians have invited 26 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training this year, which begins in less than two weeks in Goodyear, Ariz.
Headlining the list and figuring to be a major storyline all season long is Cleveland’s top prospect, Travis Bazzana, who checked in at No. 20 in MLB’s Top 100 rankings released last week. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Draft batted .246/.383/.430 between Double-A and Triple-A last season while dealing with a right oblique strain. He ended the Triple-A season on the injured list with left flank soreness.
But if he’s healthy in 2026, Bazzana could force his way onto the Major League roster and make his debut at some point this season. He’ll get a chance to show off all his tools in front of the big league coaching staff this spring.
The Guardians’ NRI list includes 18 from within the organization and eight Minor League free-agent signings. Of the 18 internal invitees, there are four other Top 30 prospects along with Bazzana: catcher Cooper Ingle (No. 4), first baseman/outfielder Ralphy Velazquez (No. 9), outfielder Alfonsin Rosario (No. 12) and catcher Jacob Cozart (No. 17).
Among the club’s Minor League signings is outfielder Stuart Fairchild, who is competing with a crowded outfield but hits right-handed -- and the Guardians have just four right-handed hitters on the 40-man roster right now.
The NRI group also includes reliever Codi Heuer, who broke into the big leagues back in 2020 with the White Sox and looked like a rising high-leverage reliever before sustaining injuries that kept him off the mound for much of 2022-24.
And reliever Pedro Avila returns to the organization after a year in Japan; the 29-year-old logged 74 2/3 innings for the Guardians in 2024 and posted a 3.25 ERA after the club acquired him from the Padres. Avila pitched for the Yakult Swallows in Japan last season, posting a 3.33 ERA across 102 2/3 innings.
Guardians fans will also recognize Trevor Stephan; the reliever was outrighted to Triple-A last season as he made a comeback following Tommy John surgery in ‘24. Stephan has a track record in Cleveland’s bullpen, including a 2.69 ERA in 66 games during the ‘22 season.
Here is the full list of the Guardians’ NRIs:
Pitchers (13): RHPs Pedro Avila, Tanner Burns, Aaron Davenport, Trenton Denholm, Carlos Hernández, Codi Heuer, Jack Leftwich, Tommy Mace, Jake Miller, Trevor Stephan; LHPs Will Dion, Steven Pérez, Ryan Webb
Catchers (5): Cameron Barstad, Jacob Cozart, Kody Huff, Cooper Ingle, Dom Nuñez
Infielders (5): Travis Bazzana, Dayan Frias, Carter Kieboom, Milan Tolentino, Ralphy Velazquez
Outfielders (3): Wuilfredo Antunez, Stuart Fairchild, Alfonsin Rosario
COMPLETE GUARDIANS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Guardians pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic are set to report to Spring Training on Feb. 9, while the full group of pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout on Feb. 12. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 17.