It took longer than expected, but George Valera is finally with the Cleveland Guardians.
The outfielder made his MLB debut after seven years with the organization.
As shown by MLB Jersey Numbers on X, he wore No. 35.
OF George Valera will wear number 35. Last worn by RHP Alex Cobb in 2024. #Guardians pic.twitter.com/3kpLpwEOFh
— MLB Jersey Numbers (@NumbersMLB) September 1, 2025
The Guardians signed Valera as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2017, and he dominated while making his way to Double-A Akron.
Then, injuries threatened to derail his promising career.
From 2021 to 2024, Valera dealt with a right oblique strain, right hamate cleanup surgery, a right wrist injury, a torn right patella tendon, and a strained left hamstring.
The Guardians ultimately designated him for assignment and non-tendered him, but they chose to bring him back on a minor league contract.
Fast forward to today, and that seemed to be the right decision.
Valera excelled in 28 games at Triple-A, hitting for the cycle in his last week in the minors.
He was slashing .255/.346/.457 in 107 plate appearances for Columbus, dominating right-handers and looking like he was finally ready to take the leap.
He can play either corner of the outfield, and while his availability will continue to be a talking point, the talent is evident.
He went 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored in his first MLB action, and it’ll be interesting to see what he can bring to the table in the final stretch of the season, and hopefully beyond.
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