The Cleveland Guardians are about to receive a major infusion of young talent as they prepare to defend their back-to-back AL Central titles. It’s an interesting path for a perennial playoff contender to take, but they are hoping that a collection of small risks pays off with some huge rewards.
Considered to have one of the best farm systems in baseball, the Guardians are looking for that pipeline to produce results. That is why, despite facing a great deal of criticism, they did not make any significant acquisitions to improve the offense this offseason.
There are six Guardians players who are heading into spring training with breakout potential, namely second baseman Travis Bazzana, outfielder Chase DeLauter, shortstop Angel Genao, first baseman/outfielder Ralphy Velazquez, starting pitcher Parker Messick, and catcher Cooper Ingle.
“Cleveland’s system is stacked with six Top 100 prospects, and all of them are heading to big league camp. DeLauter and Messick both made their debuts in The Show last season. DeLauter made two postseason starts in center field in the Wild Card Series for Cleveland, and Messick helped the Guardians lock down a division title by posting a 2.72 ERA over his first seven big league starts to conclude the regular season. Genao was added to the organization’s 40-man roster in November for Rule 5 Draft protection. The 21-year-old suffered a strained right shoulder last spring that derailed his progress, but he could still factor into Cleveland’s infield with a strong early showing this year. Bazzana battled through an oblique strain in his first full pro season but did enough to earn a promotion to Triple-A and could get the call sooner than later if he’s healthy. Ingle will likely return to Triple-A to open the season to round out some edges in his game, but he still remains on the doorstep of his debut in Cleveland,” Rob Terranova and Ben Weinrib wrote.
Among those, Bazzana is the highest-rated by MLB.com, at No. 20. The No. 1 pick from the 2024 MLB is facing very big expectations after having his arrival delayed by multiple oblique injuries and seeing other members of his draft class pass him by.
DeLauter, at No. 46, is thought to potentially have the highest ceiling. He could contend for AL Rookie of the Year after becoming one of the few players in history to make his MLB debut in a postseason game. He and Bazzana are projected by some to be part of Cleveland’s Opening Day lineup, though that plan also has been met with some doubt.
Messick, at No. 95, is the only other player from the group with major league experience. He played a valuable role during the pennant race when he was called up to fill out manager Stephen Vogt’s unorthodox six-man starting rotation during an arduous part of the schedule.
Velazquez, at No. 89, may become the most popular prospect among fans based on his power-hitting potential. Genao, at No. 66, and Ingle, at No. 99, play positions that are currently filled at the MLB level, so they may have to wait their turn a little longer.
It’s an exciting look into the future, and there may soon come a time when all of these potential stars are in the same MLB lineup together.
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