The Cleveland Guardians have a solid farm, with a couple of prospects standing out above the rest: second baseman Travis Bazzana and outfielder Chase DeLauter.
Those two are the ones getting all the media attention, mentions in top 100 prospects lists around the industry, and more.
However, an overlooked and undervalued Guardians prospect keeps playing like a future star in the Cactus League and is slowly hitting his way into Cleveland’s 2026 plans.
His name is Ralphy Velazquez.
You probably know about him already, but saying he is mentioned in the same breath as the top two guys would be lying, and there is an argument to be made that Velazquez has achieved more in minor league baseball to this point.
Of course, we often overlook the fact that Velazquez is a first-rounder, too, drafted in 2023.
He is looking every bit the legitimate prospect he is, and had another incredible day on Saturday.
In Cleveland’s 7-5 loss to the White Sox, Velazquez went 2-for-2 with a couple of doubles.
His gap power is effortless:
Ralphy Velazquez: loud contact pic.twitter.com/h8BGt8bMdu
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) February 28, 2026
After a couple of positive years in the low minors, the 2025 campaign was the first baseman’s true breakout party and included some time in left field, which could help his chances of making it to Cleveland faster.
He slashed .245/.323/.469 with 17 home runs in 418 plate appearances in High-A Lake County last year, good for a 120 wRC+.
Then, in Double-A, he really turned it on, with a .330/.405/.589 line (188 wRC+), five long balls, and 22 RBI in 28 games.
Such a successful stint in Double-A to close out last season puts him in a very convenient position with a 2026 call-up in mind.
As good as he looks right now, it’s hard to imagine Velazquez breaking camp with the Guardians with no Triple-A experience whatsoever and with Kyle Manzardo, Rhys Hoskins, CJ Kayfus, and others blocking him.
If the Guardians are aggressive, however, they will assign him to Columbus and, if he succeeds there, he could be an option for the summer if there is a need for an impact hitter.
The more conservative decision would be having him start in Akron, at least for a few weeks.
Which path are the Guardians taking with Velazquez? Nobody knows at this point, but one thing is clear: he is looking like a future All-Star, and the Guardians always need offense.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Has High Praise For Guardians Outfield Prospect
