Guardians May Have Found A Hidden Gem In The Draft

The Cleveland Guardians used their first two picks in the 2026 MLB Draft on pitchers. They chose Liam Peterson of the University of Florida at No. 19 overall in the first round, and followed that with California high schooler Logan Schmidt in the second round at No. 59.

The Guardians then addressed their offense with a unique player in the third round. Outfielder Tre Broussard from the University of Houston was the choice at No. 95 overall.

With a skill set based on speed and contact, the Guardians may have found a hidden gem in the draft, with Keith Law of The Athletic saying Broussard would have been a much higher choice in a different era.

“Broussard can fly, and if this were 1985 he’d be a first-rounder. He has a flat, slappy swing, rarely missing but hitting for minimal power, hitting .344/.433/.472 this spring with 25 steals in 29 attempts. He’s a center fielder and could be a bottom-of-the-order hitter who provides value with his legs and glove. He also is young for the class, turning 21 in September, having spent one year at San Jacinto College before transferring to Houston,” Law wrote.

The stolen base has cratered in significance over the past few decades in MLB. However, the Guardians still rely on the tactic, as they currently rank fifth in the majors this season, which they also did in 2024.

The Cleveland lineup is also known for its plate discipline, highlighted in the past by Steven Kwan and this season by Chase DeLauter. That could make Broussard a valuable contributor after he develops in the minor leagues.

At 6-foot, 190 pounds, it is possible that Broussard could add some power as he gets older. For now, he will rely on a game that generated 56 stolen bases in two seasons at Houston.

With Kwan potentially leaving via trade or as a free agent after next season, there could be a role for Broussard in the lineup and the outfield alongside DeLauter and Angel Martinez. He also may have to compete for playing time with fellow outfield prospects Khalil Watson, who is struggling after making his major league debut this season, and Jace LaViolette, who was Cleveland’s first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

It will be interesting to see if Broussard’s style of play is useful by the time he gets to the big leagues, but based on his talent, the Guardians will likely be able to find a role for him if there is room on their roster.