For years, Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio was seen as a slick-fielding player with no offensive game. The team tried everything to get him going, but he simply looked overmatched at the plate from 2023 to 2025.
His journey included a long demotion to Triple-A Columbus last year, and that seemed to do the trick. Upon returning, Rocchio posted a 96 wRC+ that was much better than his usual 70-80 output.
He wanted to keep improving, though, so he worked hard in the offseason to gain strength. Now, his 108 wRC+ is more than respectable: it makes him a well-rounded contributor, much more than just a glorified utility player.
On Thursday, Rocchio reminded the world that he will hit the occasional home run. He chose the best possible spot for his showcase of power: the ninth inning against a direct foe in the division race.
Rocchio’s walk-off two-run shot allowed Cleveland to tie the White Sox for first place in the AL Central. It was another reminder that he is now a dangerous hitter, much more than his 85 career wRC+ seems to indicate.
Now that Rocchio is a net positive in all facets of the game (hitting, fielding, and baserunning), he has become one of the most valuable players in baseball at his position. He is currently sporting a healthy 2.6 fWAR, much higher than his previous career-high of 1.1.
“Cleveland Guardians 25-year-old switch-hitter Brayan Rocchio currently has the 4th highest (fWAR) amongst all MLB shortstops in 2026. 1) Bobby Wtt 4.6, 2) Otto Lopez 3.7, 3) Kevin McGonigle 3.6, 4) Brayan Rocchio 2.6, 5) CJ Abrams 2.5,” Guardians Prospective posted.
Cleveland #Guardians 25-year-old switch-hitter Brayan Rocchio currently has the 4th highest (fWAR) amongst all MLB shortstops in 2026.
1) Bobby Wtt 4.6
2) Otto Lopez 3.7
3) Kevin McGonigle 3.6
4) Brayan Rocchio 2.6
5) CJ Abrams 2.5#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/7nxq7R1Z9F— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 3, 2026
As you can see, only three shortstops have posted a higher fWAR than Rocchio in 2026: Witt Jr., Lopez, and McGonigle. All of them, particularly Witt, are surrounded by hype, and deservedly so.
Perhaps if he’s able to maintain this level over the course of the entire season, Rocchio can hear his name mentioned among those players. He and Lopez remain highly underrated by the masses despite evidently taking a step forward in their respective developments.
It will be fascinating to see where Rocchio finishes the season regarding his fWAR total. Everything points to him being able to wrap up the year with more than four and close to five, which would put him in star territory.
NEXT: Guardians Call Up Top Relief Prospect To Replace Fellow Future Star
