Shortstop is, by far, the most important position on the infield.
It’s where most batted balls go, so the position requires impressive range, impeccable footwork, a strong and accurate arm, and the ability to make plays and throws on the run.
Additionally, it requires a good bat: the offensive bar at shortstop has been going up thanks to stars such as Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Francisco Lindor, and many others.
The Cleveland Guardians haven’t had a truly above-average shortstop since Lindor left.
It’s time for them to get some consistent production from the position.
It’s easier said than done, though.
In 2024, and despite his pedigree as a top organizational prospect, Brayan Rocchio couldn’t establish himself as the Guards’ shortstop of the future.
He had a horrible .614 OPS in 442 trips to the plate last year.
Rocchio’s strong postseason play gives Cleveland hope, but 2025 might be his last chance to run away with the job.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report designed each team’s five-year plan for the position, highlighting their current shortstop and an option for the future.
He discussed Rocchio in the first department, and reminded fans about the Guardians’ future there: Angel Genao.
“One of the breakout prospects of the 2024 season, Genao hit .330/.379/.499 with 38 doubles, 10 home runs, 71 RBI and 25 steals in 110 games between Single-A and High-A. The 20-year-old has also seen time at second base and third base for the sake of versatility, but he has a chance to emerge as the shortstop of the future with continued success in the upper levels of the minors,” Reuter said.
Genao, 20, excelled at two levels last year, including a 140 wRC+ (40 percent more production than the league-average hitter) in 300 High-A plate appearances.
If the Guardians are aggressive, they can just assign him to Double-A Akron and see what he’s made of.
Genao won’t hit 30 homers, but he can be a steady 15-25-type of player with excellent plate skills.
That should be enough to earn the Guardians’ shortstop gig when he is ready for The Show.
Reuter predicts that Rocchio will handle the position for the next two seasons, and Genao will take over starting in 2027.
It’s not a bad plan for Cleveland, so long as Rocchio can perform at the plate.
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