Angel Genao, the Cleveland Guardians’ second-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was called up to the majors this week. He didn’t take long to make an impact, racking up four hits in his debut on Wednesday.
He had one more on Thursday, and is hitting a robust .556 with two runs and an RBI in his first two games as a major leaguer. Genao, who posted a 133 wRC+ between Double-A and Triple-A this year, hit 13 homers in the upper minors and is ready to shine for Cleveland. Scout Bernie Pleskoff wrote an interesting report on him for Forbes and highlighted the strengths that put him in such high regard within the organization.
“This old scout has had an opportunity to observe Genao in his past couple of spring training appearances. Genao is a very good candidate to hit his share of doubles, and with his speed increasing since the meniscus tear is in the rear view mirror, he may get his share of triples. Defensively, Genao moves smoothly and has good range at all three infield positions. Genao is a natural shortstop, but can handle any infield position, with the exception of first base,” Pleskoff wrote.
Genao’s line between the two minor league levels he played this year was .300/.401/.474, with 13 homers and 11 stolen bases. You can see he can do it all at the plate: hit for a high average thanks to his excellent bat-to-ball skills, get on base thanks to his elite eye and discipline, hit for power, steal some bases, and play multiple positions across the infield.
As a natural shortstop, like Pleskoff states, he could move around the infield and play other positions with ease. It’s important to note, however, that he can be prone to making errors. He committed two on the day of his debut.
Still, it’s not like Genao is a defensive liability. If he can be a decent fielder, the Guardians will find plenty of playing time avenues to include his potent bat in the lineup. Everybody talks about Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter, and deservedly so, but Genao has the potential to be Cleveland’s most influential rookie in the second half. He is that good.
NEXT: Guardians Will Face High-Stakes Matchup Amid Divisional Race
