The Cleveland Guardians entered the season expecting to get a boost to their offense from players such as Bo Naylor, Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins. Instead, the increased production has come from Daniel Schneemann, Angel Martinez and Austin Hedges.
But Brayan Rocchio has arguably been the player who has most exceeded expectations. As the No. 9 hitter in the lineup, any offense the infielder could provide would be a bonus, but it has gone beyond the most optimistic forecast.
More impressively, Rocchio has done so while switching positions. The Opening Day second baseman is now the starting shortstop with Gabriel Arias on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
That is why former Cleveland player Jensen Lewis is raving about Rocchio’s success and his “great start to 2026.”
“Brayan has done a great job, not only defensively, but offensively. It’s great to see him start this way, carry that momentum from the end of last year into what has been a great start to 2026,” Lewis said.
It's the year of the switch hitter! #GuardsBall@JLEWFIFTY highlights Brayan Rocchio’s success, as he and Angel Martinez have exceeded expectations in April.
Watch the full episode! https://t.co/ss8gTU89Ix pic.twitter.com/4kFnPSZ714
— BIGPLAY Cleveland Show (@BIGPLAYCLEshow) April 25, 2026
Rocchio played 115 games last season and finished with a slash line of .233 /.290/.340. He was particularly effective after the All-Star break, with a .257 batting average and .689 OPS in the second half of the season after hitting .196 with a .530 OPS in the first half.
Despite that, he entered spring training with his role somewhat in jeopardy due to the presence of top prospect Travis Bazzana as the potential starting second baseman. The Guardians decided the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft would benefit from more time in the minor leagues, so Rocchio and Arias returned as the starting double play combination.
Rocchio took advantage of the renewed opportunity, and the Guardians called up Juan Brito rather than Bazzana to replace Arias on the roster. So far this season, Rocchio has a .280/.372/.427 slash line with three home runs.
His 15 RBIs rank second on the team, one behind Chase DeLauter, which is incredible production from the No. 9 spot. Rocchio has also noticeably improved his plate discipline, with 10 walks compared to 10 strikeouts.
He has been everything the Guardians could have asked for, and more, and being known as a second-half player throughout his career, even better times may be ahead.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Just Pinpointed Exactly What's Wrong With Bo Naylor
