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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Daniel Espino, a 2019 first-round pick by the Cleveland Guardians, is making a successful comeback after nearly four years sidelined by shoulder injuries and surgeries. The Guardians have converted him from a starting pitcher prospect to a reliever role to protect his arm. In Triple-A Columbus, Espino has posted a 2.53 ERA in 10.2 innings with impressive velocity (averaging 97 mph, touching 101 mph on his fastball) and a low-90s slider. MLB Pipeline scouts identified him as having closer potential. His main remaining challenge is command and walk reduction.
Strengths
- + Elite fastball velocity (97 mph average, 101 mph max)
- + Strong slider in low-90s
- + Excellent Triple-A performance (2.53 ERA, 2.79 ERA in 9.2 innings)
- + Low opponent batting average (.206)
- + High strikeout rate (11 K in 9.2 innings)
- + Identified as closer prospect by MLB Pipeline scouts
- + Resilient comeback after major injuries
- + Healthy heading into 2026 season
- + Excellent demeanor and mental toughness
Weaknesses
- - Command issues persist post-injury
- - Elevated walk rate needs improvement
- - Nearly four years of lost development time due to injuries
- - History of shoulder problems and multiple surgeries
- - Transitioning from starter to reliever role
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Paolo Espino is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs