The Cleveland Guardians have an unwavering commitment to developing prospects and turning them into high-quality MLB players when their time comes. It is paying off this season with the performances of Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana and Angel Martinez among their position players.
Yet, for every young player the Guardians have on the major league level, there is another one waiting for his chance in Triple-A. It is an embarrassment of riches that, unfortunately, can leave some players on the outside looking in.
CJ Kayfus and George Valera are two of those currently waiting for their next opportunity. Each of them was projected to have a role on the Guardians this season, but they have been surpassed by others, at least for now.
Analyst Cade Cracas named them as two Guardians prospects who are facing questionable futures with the team, at least until an opening presents itself.
“Kayfus and Valera are two guys that are in an odd spot. When the time comes, they’ll be up, but right now there’s not a spot for them in the big leagues,” Cracas said.
Will we see CJ Kayfus or George Valera again this season? Will one get traded? #GuardsBall
"Kayfus and Valera are two guys that are in an odd spot."
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Kayfus was on the Opening Day roster and played in three of the first four games against the Seattle Mariners. Unfortunately, he went 0-for-10 to begin the campaign, and his playing time began to decrease, even though he went 4-for-12 in his next five appearances.
He was optioned to Triple-A on April 13, ironically, when Valera was activated from the injured list. Valera was in line to be a starting outfielder before he suffered a strained calf in spring training. Then, when he returned, he batted just .216 with no home runs in his 13 games played.
He was optioned to Columbus on April 30, and Petey Halpin was promoted from Triple-A to provide a different speed and defense dynamic to the roster.
Of course, an injury can change things almost immediately, which is why Kayfus and Valera, as well as other top prospects such as Juan Brito and Cooper Ingle, need to stay on top of their game in the minors in case they are needed in the majors.
NEXT: Phillies Snap Guardians' Seven-Game Winning Streak
