The Cleveland Guardians’ need for a hard-hitting outfielder has been evident for a while. They even went in that direction in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, landing Jace LaViolette, who could become a superstar if he stays healthy and cuts down his strikeouts.
They also have George Valera and Chase DeLauter, and they seem to have plenty of faith in Jhonkensy Noel. However, there’s another lesser-known candidate they could consider.
Writing ahead of the Rule 5 MLB Draft, analysts Sam Dykstra and Jesse Borek agreed that Wuilfredo Antunez is an intriguing prospect, and the Guardians could make a big decision with the young slugger.
“Guardians: Wuilfredo Antunez, OF (unranked),” Dykstra and Borek wrote. “Right shoulder tendinitis put a crimp in Antunez’s Arizona Fall League stint back in October, which would have provided him an opportunity to display his skill set for a wider audience. As is, he posted a 139 wRC+ across High-A and Double-A this past season, ranking as the lone member of the Guardians organization outside of Jose Ramirez to post 50+ extra-base hits and 15+ steals in 2025. Signed for just $10,000 out of Venezuela in April 2019, the left-handed-hitting Antunez has made tremendous strides since arriving stateside, but with just 123 at-bats in the upper levels of the minors, a jump straight to the big leagues could come with a sizable learning curve.”
Of course, that’s not to say that the Guardians are going to call him up. He still has plenty of hurdles to clear in his development.
First, he has to get back to full strength and, more importantly, prove that he can stay healthy. Then, he has to prove his worth at other minor league levels before getting the nod.
Talent alone can only get a player so far. The Guardians have never been the type of team that will rush the process with any of their prospects. More than that, they tend to be a little too patient at times.
That being said, the lineup could certainly use some juice. If Antunez continues to turn heads, he might be one of the quickest risers in their farm system.
NEXT: Guardians Named As Potential Fit For All-Star Infielder
