The Cleveland Guardians strength and organizational success lies on its consistent and dependable farm system.
The current system represents years of work in the scouting, player development and coaching departments.
It says a lot about the organization that they were among the two best teams in the American League and still boast an elite farm.
MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra identified nine clubs whose farm systems improved the most in 2024.
Whether through player development, trades, the Draft or international signings, there are many ways to improve a farm system.
These nine teams improved theirs the most in 2024: https://t.co/h1glGrjP0W pic.twitter.com/rqixsuN74I
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) December 26, 2024
Unsurprisingly, the Guardians are on the shortlist.
It’s hard to ignore how many quality prospects they have at the moment, particularly in the position player department.
“It sure does help to have the No. 1 overall pick, doesn’t it? The Guardians won the 2024 Draft Lottery and used the selection on Oregon State star Travis Bazzana, who ended his first season as the No. 12 prospect in the game. But the arrival of the 70-grade-hitting second baseman didn’t get Cleveland here alone. Jaison Chourio, Angel Genao and Ralphy Velazquez — three players 20 or younger with no experience above High-A — also joined the Top 100 in 2024, and 2023 third-rounder C.J. Kayfus’ first-season dominance pushed him onto our Top 10 first baseman list,” Dykstra wrote.
He also mentioned the young Welbyn Francisca and two prospects the Guardians got in recent trades: Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle.
Chourio, Genao and Velazquez are all at least a year or two away, but there might be some stars in that group.
Juan Brito and of course Chase DeLauter are part of the mix, with both expected to compete for starting roles in spring training.
We should also add outfielder Alfonsín Rosario, who came over this winter via trade.
Many young players who have recently graduated or are on the verge of doing so are not a part of minor league rankings anymore, but deserved to be included in analysis.
This is the case of Kyle Manzardo and Angel Martinez, just to name two, as they will also be fighting for starting gigs in spring training.
The Guardians system is deep and talented, and has already begun injecting some pitching talent this year through the draft and via trades.
NEXT: Broadcaster Says Recent Guardians Trades 'Are Not Moves To Be Up In Arms About'
