With the 2026 MLB Draft just about two weeks away, predictions about what the Cleveland Guardians will do with their first-round pick continue to vary. Boasting a farm system with top-level prospects at almost every position, the Guardians do not have a glaring need they need to address.
That gives Cleveland the flexibility to take the player who best fits its traditionally productive pipeline. It also allows them to project a longer-term timeline with whoever the choice might be.
In MLB.com’s latest mock draft, the Guardians are being linked to interesting outfield prospect Trevor Condon of Etowah High School in Georgia at No. 19 overall.
“I think what he does fits what they do. Condon’s ability to hit while being super super athletic gives them an element that they don’t have as much of,” Jonathan Mayo wrote.
Cleveland has drafted just one high school player in the first round since 2020, with 1B/OF Ralphy Velazquez its choice in 2023. The Guardians have had great success with the college players they have chosen in that time, adding pitcher Gavin Williams in 2021, outfielder Chase DeLauter in 2022, second baseman Travis Bazzana at No. 1 overall in 2024, and outfielder Jace LaViolette last year.
Condon was recently named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year for this season. He had a batting average of .504 with nine home runs, 42 RBIs, 17 doubles, and 15 stolen bases in 36 games.
The Guardians have also been linked to University of Virginia outfielder A.J. Gracia in a different mock draft. In addition to DeLauter and Angel Martinez, outfield prospect Khalil Watson recently made his major league debut, and Juneiker Caceres and Jaison Chourio are ranked as top 10 overall prospects in their organization.
If Cleveland does look at other positions, it has also been linked to Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese, Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian, and Arizona State University pitcher Cole Carton. The draft decision could also provide some insight into which prospects the Guardians might be willing to part with at the upcoming MLB trade deadline in early August.
Based on their recent successful history, any player the Guardians select should feel optimistic about his new opportunity and his chances of making it to the major leagues.
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