Guardians Prospect Helps Winter Team Take Home A Title

The Cleveland Guardians had some of their players star in winter leagues.

Jose Ramirez had a brief stint with Leones del Escogido and Gabriel Arias was on Cangrejeros de Santurce’s roster, and there were other players in the organization showing the best of their talent in the winter leagues.

One of the most productive winter seasons, however, belonged to Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio.

Expected to win the shortstop gig in spring training, Rocchio was a star with Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela’s LVBP.

Guardians Prospective posted a video in which he is seen making a fantastic play with his bare hand in the Finals.

“#Guardians 23yr old switch hitting INF prospect Brayan Rocchio with another brilliant play at shortstop tonight helping his team @tiburones_net win 3-to-0 to take home the @LVBP_Oficial championship! Rocchio was pivotal at the plate all series but his defense every night really was a catalyst in helping his team win,” they tweeted.

#Guardians 23yr old switch hitting INF prospect Brayan Rocchio with another brilliant play at shortstop tonight helping his team @tiburones_net win 3-to-0 to take home the @LVBP_Oficial championship! Rocchio was pivotal at the plate all series but his defense every night really… pic.twitter.com/4jly0kyKfq

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 29, 2024

Tiburones hadn’t won the LVBP championship in 38 years, despite having one of the most colorful fan bases in the South American country.

Thanks to Rocchio’s incredible balance, fielding, and throwing skills, they were able to finish the drought.

Rocchio was a star on defense, but he was also solid on offense which is what the Guardians wanted to see.

In the regular season with Tiburones, he hit .377/.457/.541 with a .998 OPS.

Then, he had a .766 OPS in the playoffs and a .728 mark in the Finals.

Given the fact he hit .247/.279/.321 with a .600 OPS in 23 MLB games in 2023, he has a lot to prove before being anointed the long-term starter at shortstop.

He had a great winter and is ready to show the best of his talent, though.