The Cleveland Guardians have a lot of middle infield talent in the organization.
It’s probably the main reason why they were fine with trading longtime second baseman Andrés Giménez, with everything the move represented.
They have Juan Brito and Angel Martinez ready to compete for that second base opening, they have No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana likely making his debut later this year or in 2026, and they also have Angel Genao, among several others.
Deeper down, however, there is a guy that MLB.com identified as the Guardians’ potential 2025 breakout prospect because of his immense talent: SS/2B Welbyn Francisca.
“Angel Genao jumped onto the Top 100 with a breakout season in 2024, and another Dominican middle infielder in the Guardians system could do the same this year. Signed for $1,375,000 in 2023, Francisca’s feel for the barrel from both sides of the plate was evident while he was hitting .326/.411/.474 with seven homers and 19 steals in 74 games between Rookie ball and Single-A,” MLB Pipeline wrote.
There is a lot to like about Francisca as a prospect.
First of all, he is still just 18 years old and had a positive stint in full-season ball, in Single-A Lynchburg.
He has excellent bat to ball skills and knows the strike zone well.
He has a small frame so he doesn’t have huge raw power, but barrel control and surprising strength could potentially allow him to send a few balls over the fence when he is maxed out.
The potential for a .300 batting average with a healthy walk rate and 10 homers is there.
He is not the best fielder, but if the bat develops as advertised, he could be an All-Star one day.
NEXT: Guardians Can Still Make Substantial Roster Upgrades Via Free Agency
