You have seen many times, even in this space, that the Cleveland Guardians lack power. We have said it many times, and the numbers back it up: they enter Wednesday ranked 27th among 30 MLB teams in total home runs, with 152.
However, it’s also fair to point out that we are starting to see the organization making some strides in the power department. They went out and acquired two guys capable of hitting the ball over the fence in Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe, but perhaps more importantly, they have developed four young guys with at least some modest pop and, in some cases, the potential for more than that.
“The Cleveland Guardians are the only team currently in MLB with at least 4 players 25-years-old or younger to have 13 or more home runs on the 2026 season. Angel Martinez (24) 17, Travis Bazzana (24) 15, Chase DeLauter (24) 15, Brayan Rocchio (25) 13,” Guardians Prospective posted.
The Cleveland #Guardians are the only team currently in MLB with at 4 players 25-years-old or younger to have 13 or more home runs on the 2026 season.
Angel Martinez (24) 17
Travis Bazzana (24) 15
Chase DeLauter (24) 15
Brayan Rocchio (25) 13#GuardsBall— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 23, 2026
All these players are 25 or younger, which means they haven’t even hit their peak yet. Natural learning curves suggest that their prime is yet to come, and that means they haven’t come close to their power ceiling.
Rocchio’s power potential isn’t his calling card, and he will likely max out as a 13-15-homer guy. With the rest of his skill set, however, that’s enough for him to be an impactful starter. Martinez is also, in all likelihood, a 15-20-homer hitter, which is definitely nothing to sneeze at.
Bazzana’s potential probably indicates he can hit about 25 long balls per season when he’s fully developed and used to MLB pitching. DeLauter, however, is the guy to pay the most attention to in this group when it comes to power.
The rookie has 15 long balls in his first MLB season, but the quality and explosiveness of his swing suggest that he can hit 30 balls out of the park at his peak. It’s a lofty ceiling, and it will largely hinge on his availability and ability to avoid injuries, but he has the talent to get there eventually.
On top of them, the Guardians’ organization has several guys capable of hitting at least 25 homers per season if things were to break right for them. Kyle Manzardo did it in 2025, and Ralphy Velazquez has serious power, so he could be a star when he gets the chance. CJ Kayfus, George Valera, Jace LaViolette, and Nolan Schubart are all powerful, too, and waiting for their chance.
Little by little, the Guardians organization is trying to move away from their slap-hitting label.
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