It’s not a secret to anyone that the Cleveland Guardians have a chance to do something special this year. Yes, they are first in the AL Central, but that’s not the point: lots of things can happen from this moment until the end of the regular season.
It could be a special year because the Guardians have managed to put together a strong core for this season and the future. Hitters such as Travis Bazzana, Chase DeLauter, Kyle Manzardo, and Brayan Rocchio are the perfect sidekicks for team star Jose Ramirez, and hurlers such as Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, Joey Cantillo, and Cade Smith are all young and talented, already among the best in the league.
True contenders, however, should always strive for more. The Guardians could use another starter for depth, one or two shutdown relievers, and more power in their lineup, preferably in the outfield. They could (and should) go to the trade market for upgrades, but this would mean losing some valuable prospects.
These three prospects could be used as trade bait come early August:
Angel Genao
You have to give to get. It’s that simple. Now that Messick and DeLauter have graduated, Genao is the second-best prospect on the team per MLB Pipeline, so you know he’s talented.
Projected to be a starter long-term, Genao has contact ability, some developing power, and speed. He opened the season in Double-A Akron, where he hit .271/.418/.412 (132 wRC+) in 24 games, and was bumped to Triple-A Columbus, where he’s hitting a more modest .245/.295/.441 (87 wRC+) in 27 games.
Overall, Genao has a high-contact profile and can do damage from both sides of the plate, even if he needs to show some defensive consistency. The Guardians have Rocchio at shortstop and Bazzana at second base, so they can afford to trade away Genao, although they would love to keep him. He is highly regarded among prospects around the league.
Top 100 risers 📈
13. Theo Gillen
19. Mike Sirota
30. Angel Genao
40. Liam Doyle
47. Luis HernandezSee all the risers, fallers + new additions in our June update: https://t.co/wG4jL5V94q
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) June 3, 2026
He could represent the difference between getting a high-profile name and a question mark at the deadline.
Juneiker Caceres
The Guardians certainly won’t want to deal Caceres, as his ceiling is fairly significant, but he will be a name that other front offices will inevitably ask for.
At 18 years old, he is one of the youngest players in Single-A, where he is thriving with a 141 wRC+, a 9.9 percent strikeout rate, five homers, and five steals in 131 plate appearances. He has developed a nice power stroke this season, and could be a regular in two or three years if everything goes according to plan.
That sound, special bat…. 😱
Cleveland #Guardians 18yr old OF prospect Juneiker Caceres 2nd HR of the night a 2-run go ahead eventual game winning homer in the 9th inning tonight for Hill City at Fredericksburg.
Video – @cyclephoto110 #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/PnIg3A1Vum
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 6, 2026
Caceres won’t be dealt for any deadline upgrade. He could enter the conversation in a package for some of the bigger names, though.
Alfonsin Rosario
Rosario won’t headline any deals, at least not for a relevant name or a game-changer, but he could be a secondary piece for a rebuilding team.
He is still 21 years old and is sporting a 129 wRC+ in Double-A this year, albeit with a 36.2 percent strikeout rate. He has nine homers in 36 games, though, so the power is real.
Rosario has always been an above-average hitter for Cleveland in every minor league stop, but his path to the majors is blocked by better outfielders who are buried in the depth chart, such as George Valera and CJ Kayfus.
If he could enter a package for a reliever, the Guardians will absolutely do it.
NEXT: Tanner Bibee Secures First 2026 Win As Guardians Tie Series
