The Cleveland Guardians have always taken pride in their ability to find and develop the best young players in the game. They know that’s their best shot at contention, as they’re not going to be able to keep up in bidding wars with teams more willing to spend money.
This team has excelled at fixing young players and their flaws. They’ve been extremely patient with them, sometimes to a fault, but it’s paid off more often than not.
That’s why MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis, and Sam Dykstra believe that the growth Alfonsin Rosario has shown since arriving from the Chicago Cubs isn’t a coincidence.
If anything, that’s why he broke out last season:
“When the Guardians acquired him from the Cubs in exchange for Eli Morgan last November, Rosario was known for loud tools (well-above-average raw power and arm strength, plus speed) but also an extremely aggressive approach at the plate. He cut his strikeout rate from 32 percent in 2024 to 27 percent this season, during which he slashed .251/.345/.461 with 21 homers and 14 steals in 115 games,” MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis, & Sam Dykstra wrote.
Rosario is one of the most promising prospects in the organization right now. He still has to clear some hurdles and earn his stripes at Triple-A Columbus to be considered for a roster spot, but given his growth, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see that happen as early as next season.
If everything goes according to plan, Rosario should be one of the team’s primary options in the outfield along with Chase DeLauter, who’s also expected to get the nod and be given a chance at some point in the 2026 campaign. He just needs to stay healthy, unlike what happened last season.
A lot can go sideways in a player’s journey to the top, but being willing to be coached and working on your flaws rarely goes wrong.
Rosario has put in the work, and he’s inching closer to reaping what he’s sown.
NEXT: Bruce Drennan Reveals Why He's Confident About Guardians
