The Cleveland Guardians have some experience with Venezuelan catchers.
It seems like it was just yesterday when they discovered Victor Martinez, a switch-hitting power machine with a knack for contact.
Now, history might repeat itself.
As shown by Guardians Prospective on X, 17-year-old prospect Gustavo Baptista has emerged as a player to watch in the Arizona Complex League in 2026, as he turned plenty of heads in his first year in the Dominican Summer League.
One to watch for in the Arizona Complex League in 2026. Was one of the more impressive young bats in for the #Guardians in his first year in the Dominican Summer League. https://t.co/rXBI04ZkUl
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 20, 2025
The Guardians signed the Venezuelan backstop in January, giving him a $450,000 signing bonus.
Baptista capped off his days in the Dominican Summer League by logging four hits with three runs, two doubles, and three RBI.
He blasted a two-run homer in the sixth inning as well.
In 46 games, the 17-year-old logged 38 hits for a .262 average, a .466 OBP, a .414 SLG, and an OPS of .880.
He also scored 50 runs, drove in 21 runs, logged 46 walks, and hit three home runs with seven doubles and three triples.
Of course, he’s still pretty young and raw, and it will take a long while before we see him in the majors, if at all.
He might not even be a part of the Guardians organization by the time he becomes a major leaguer.
Even so, he’s clearly ahead of schedule and has put his name on the Guardians’ radar for the upcoming season and beyond.
One never knows how a prospect’s career will pan out, but it’s always refreshing to watch and witness their journeys from the very first day and all the way to the top.
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