Cleveland Guardians rookie Khalil Watson has played six MLB games before Wednesday’s finale against the Chicago White Sox. The former first-rounder is still developing as a player, yet he is starting to show signs of adjusting and improving.
During his first four games, Watson failed to log a single hit and struck out eight times without drawing a single walk. He looked anxious and overwhelmed by the quality of MLB pitching.
However, these last two games have seen Watson being more in control of at-bats. He looks better and more confident as he learns what it means to be a major leaguer.
In his last two ballgames, Watson has three hits, three RBI, one homer, and one stolen base. Little by little, he is starting to show manager Stephen Vogt that he can be an asset, especially now that the team is dealing with three key injuries to position players: Jose Ramirez, Angel Martinez, and Chase DeLauter.
Watson told the media that he trusts his potential and the work he has put in to get where he currently is.
“I just try to trust my work, you know. Keep grinding in no matter what happens out there. I know that I’ve got the potential to do it. I just been grinding, just trusting,” Watson said, per Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland.
Kahlil Watson to reporters in Chicago on how he’s stayed prepared at the plate after his -st career home tonight (via #Guardians audio):
“I just try to trust my work, you know. Keep grinding in no matter what happens out there. I know that I got the potential to do it. I just…
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) June 24, 2026
It’s clear that the kid is confident, and that’s by no means criticism. The Guardians need athletic, confident, and talented ballplayers, and Watson fits the description.
Taken in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins, Watson has always had the tools. The challenge has been putting it all together, and the Guardians have helped him do that since acquiring him in 2023.
He earned his promotion by hitting .255/.370/.491 with a 125 wRC+, 12 home runs, and 15 stolen bases in Triple-A. Strikeouts will always be an issue, as he had a 28 percent rate in Columbus, but he can also work some walks (14 percent rate) and wreak havoc on the basepaths. Defense is also a net positive.
Watson is still 23, so there will be bumps and bruises along the way. The Guardians, however, are well aware of his potential. Perhaps more importantly, so is he.
NEXT: Guardians' Offense Reaches Concerning Low Amid Injury Wave
