Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Wuilfredo Antunez made quite an impression during a limited stint in the Arizona Fall League.
The 23-year-old turned heads by hitting two home runs in his opening week.
His invitation to represent the Guardians followed a strong season, and despite right shoulder tendinitis limiting him to two appearances, he made an impact that scouts won’t forget.
Cleveland’s front office will monitor his development closely, and recent reports suggest growing optimism about his trajectory.
“While it was just a two-game sample, Antunez’s AFL stint was emblematic of an encouraging trend. He has continued to grow offensively as he has progressed through Cleveland’s farm system,” Tim Stebbins wrote.
Playing for the Surprise Saguaros, Antunez was 3-for-6 with four RBIs in limited action.
Signed for only $10,000 as an international free agent in 2019, the Venezuelan has evolved from a low-cost gamble into one of Cleveland’s most intriguing hitting prospects.
He slashed .275/.335/.521 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs in 101 games between High-A and Double-A in 2025.
That performance was his first exposure above High-A ball, though at 23, he’s already logged five years in the organization.
Cleveland now faces a critical decision regarding roster protection.
If Antunez isn’t added to the 40-man roster, he becomes eligible for the MLB Rule 5 Draft.
Any team selecting him must keep him on its 26-man roster for the entire season or place him on waivers.
Leaving him unprotected could cost the Guardians one of their most promising young hitters.
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