Cleveland Guardians
AL Central
2024 record: 92-69 (1st)
MiLB affiliates
Triple-A: Columbus Clippers
Double-A: Akron RubberDucks
High-A: Lake County Captains
Single-A: Lynchburg Hillcats
Notable prospects graduated in 2024
1B Kyle Manzardo
3B Ángel Martínez
OF/1B Jhonkensy Noel
Prospects1500 writers who contributed to this column and rankings: Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2024
Tier 1
1. Travis Bazzana, 2B, 22, High-A
Only the second player ever selected first overall to be born outside the contiguous United States (the other being Carlos Correa who was born in Puerto Rico), Bazzana went from a lightly recruited Aussie to the best pure hitter in college baseball. He is a non-traditional 1-1 guy due to the fact he is truly limited to second base defensively, but that just highlights how good the bat is. With a double plus hit tool and power that could be among the best at second base when he reaches the big leagues, something that may be sooner than later given the fact the Guardians traded away Andres Gimenez, Bazzana has perennial All-Star upside. (@ShaunKernahan)
Tier 2
2. Chase DeLauter, OF, 23, Triple-A
The Guardians have been very careful with their 2022 1st round pick, especially as he’s dealt with some injuries (foot fracture, hamstring), limiting him to 57 games in ’23 and 39 in ’24, not counting two AFL stints. It does appear that with a bit more seasoning in Triple-A, the talented outfielder could be knocking on Cleveland’s door this year. He was clearly one of the top names and spotlights in the 2023 Arizona Fall League, slashing .299/.385/.529/.914, with 5 2B, 5 HR, 27 RBI. This past Fall was more limited, but with great results, as in only 12 games he posted a .340/.475/.511/.985 line and looks primed for a huge 2025. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
3. Jaison Chourio, OF, 19, Single-A
There is a lot to like with “the younger brother of..” He displays an excellent understanding of the strike zone as he walked (19.9%) more than he struck out (16%). He is a switch hitter that currently is hitting both handed pitchers very well, limiting his platoon risk. He also steals bases in bunches (44 in 334 Single-A AB’s). The only tool that is lacking is power, but his bat speed projects him to have average future power. I can see a future top of the order hitter with a high OBP and plenty of SB’s. Not the star power of big brother but a player that I want on my dynasty roster. (@JMahyfam)
4. Angel Genao, SS, 20, High-A
Stop me if you have heard this profile in the Guardians system before. A light-hitting middle infielder that makes excellent contact and has above average speed. Cleveland sure likes these types of guys, but unfortunately for Genao there are several others that profile just like him in this system. With Brayan Rocchio, Juan Brito, and Travis Bazzana ahead of him it is tough to see an easy path to playing time. It is a shame because I really like the player. (@JMahyfam)
Tier 3
5. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, 19, High-A
Velazquez, Cleveland’s first round draft selection in 2023, had some bright lights shine upon him last year. With a solid 82-game stint at Single-A Lynchburg, and being named to play in the 2024 Futures Game as a 19-year-old, he was promoted to High-A Lake County (19 G) to end the year. The 6’3″ 215 lb first baseman, who can also play some outfield, should spend a good portion of 2025 at High-A, but nobody should be surprised if at 20 he’s challenged at Double-A. If Velazquez can keep his K% around 20-21% and his BB% around 15%, that will help as he focuses on other aspects of his game in the field and at the plate. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
6. Welbyn Francisca, SS/2B, 18, Single-A
And I thought Genao was blocked. Francisca is yet another in that profile of good speed, excellent contact middle infielders, and he is even younger. Francisca might develop a bit more power which could help him stand out from the crowd. The Guardians are going to have some decisions to make with all these guys. There just isn’t enough room for all of them at the big-league level. I will bet on the player and be patient, these things usually work themselves out. (@JMahyfam)
7. Juan Brito, 2B/3B, 23, Triple-A
Previously seen as a contact-first hitter, it was surprising to see Brito pop 21 home runs last season. He played 144 games in Triple-A, and posted a more than respectable .807 OPS. His defensive versatility also makes him a valuable asset, playing all four positions in the infield for Columbus. The Andrés Giménez trade could open a path for him to contribute with the Guardians in 2025. (@aj_greene1015)
8. C.J. Kayfus, 1B, 23, Double-A
I’ve said it before and I believe it applies here too. Success at the Double-A level is a good indicator of success in the big leagues. Kayfus showed that in 2024. During his 22-year-old season, the Guardians’ 3rd round pick in 2023 out of the University of Miami, hit 10 homers and knocked in 55 runs, hitting .263 with a .366 OBP. This came after he walloped High-A in only 40 games (.338/.437/.578/1.015). There doesn’t seem to be a major obstacle to first base playing time in Cleveland, with Carlos Santana and Big Christmas Jhonkensy Noel ahead of him on the depth chart, but if Kayfus starts out strong in Triple-A Columbus, he could get the MLB call-up shortly thereafter. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
9. Matt Wilkinson, LHP, 22, High-A
“Tugboat” Wilkinson made quite the name for himself throughout MiLB during the first half of 2024. It’s always fair to question if success will carry over to the upper Minor Leagues, and it remains to be seen if Wilkinson has the arsenal to do so. However, you can’t deny how effective he was in 2024, posting a 1.90 ERA in 118.2 innings between Lynchburg and Lake County. Wilkinson struck out 174 hitters, second in all MiLB just behind Pitcher of the Year Quinn Mathews of the St. Louis Cardinals. (@aj_greene1015)
10. Joey Cantillo, LHP, 25, MLB
With the best changeup in the Guardians system, Cantillo got called up in late July to make eight MLB starts; he even got valuable postseason experience pitching against the Yankees in the ALCS. As noted, the changeup is an elite pitch and misses a ton of bats. In the months before his promotion he was pitching as one of the clear best arms in Triple-A, with a 30.2% strikeout rate after rehabbing in the Complex League. (@aj_greene1015)
11. Braylon Doughty, RHP, 19, High school
Doughty was a guy who was under the radar until later in the draft process a season ago due to the fact he did not appear at many of the showcase events, he certainly made a name for himself in the Spring. The one event he did attend was Area Codes where he impressed scouts with his makeup, and really wowed them on the mound. He has a fastball that flirts with triple digits and two distinct breaking balls, including a curveball that has registered 3k spin rates. He has a change but it is a distant fourth pitch, and has an athletic delivery that gives him enough command to project well in a rotation long term. (@ShaunKernahan)
Tier 4
12. Parker Messick, LHP, 24, Double-A
13. Cooper Ingle, C, 22, Double-A
14. Daniel Espino, RHP, 24, Injured (Double-A in 2022)
15. Alfonsin Rosario, OF, 20, Single-A
16. George Valera, OF, 24, Triple-A
17. Joey Oakie, RHP, 18, High school
18. Khalil Watson, 2B/OF, 21, Double-A
19. Robert Arias, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
20. Andrew Walters, RHP, 24, MLB
21. Austin Peterson, RHP, 25, Double-A
22. Jacob Cozart, C, 21, High-A
23. Johnathan Rodríguez, OF, 25, MLB
Messick has good stuff on the mound and could develop into a serviceable starter in the Majors. Ingle has a great eye, a little bit of power and could be a backup catcher. Espino hasn’t pitched since 2022 and the injuries have held him back but, when healthy, he has ace-quality stuff. Valera had a ton of hype when he was first signed but injuries have slowed his progress. Oakie is in the right organization that can help him make the most of his talent and be a solid starter. Arias has good speed to go with his solid hit-tool and could develop some power as he matures. Walters has shown that he can be a solid reliever for the team as soon as this season. Cozart struggled in his first season but it was only 42 at-bats and he has the potential to stick at catcher. (@tonybps1)
Tier 5
24. Josh Hartle, LHP, 21, Single-A
25. Alex Mooney, 3B/SS, 22, High-A
26. Will Dion, LHP, 24, Triple-A
27. Michael Kennedy, LHP, 20, High-A
28. Petey Halpin, OF, 22, Double-A
29. Franco Aleman, RHP, 24, Triple-A
30. Dayan Frías, 3B, 22, Double-A
31. Aaron Davenport, RHP, 24, Double-A
32. Trenton Denholm, RHP, 25, Double-A
33. Doug Nikhazy, LHP, 25, Triple-A
34. Jackson Humphries, LHP, 20, Single-A
35. Ryan Webb, LHP, 25, Triple-A
36. Luis Merejo, 1B, 18, Single-A
37. Jake Fox, OF/2B, 21, High-A
38. Chase Mobley, RHP, 18, High school
39. Justin Campbell, RHP, 23, Injured (College in 2022)
40. Milan Tolentino, SS/3B, 23, Double-A
41. Juneiker Caceres, OF, 17, Rookie (DSL)
42. Maick Collado, 1B, 22, High-A
43. Jacob Zibin, RHP, 19, Injured (College in 2022)
44. Cameron Sullivan, RHP, 18, High school
45. Joe Lampe, OF, 24, Double-A
46. Wuilfredo Antunez, OF, 22, High-A
47. Jose Devers, SS, 21, High-A
48. Aidan Major, RHP, 21, College
49. Donovan Zsak, LHP, 21, Single-A
50. Esteban González, OF, 21, High-A
Mooney has solid speed, some power and a developing hit-tool. Halpin is more valuable in real life than fantasy with his defense and good speed. Aleman could be a solid reliever, perhaps even a closer, if he continues his progress. Nikhazy took a step forward in 2024 and could be a back-end rotation type. Humphries has struggled but he has the stuff to be a quality starter in the Majors if it all comes together. Webb has put up nice numbers and, at 25, may be ready to get a shot at the back of the rotation later this season. Mobley could be the steal of this year’s draft when Cleveland took him in the 10th round after signability issues. Caceres crushed it in the Dominican Summer League as a 16-year-old and is years away. Zibin has not pitched since 2022, but still has high expectations in the organization. Keep an eye on Zsak, who impressed on the Cape and at Single-A, and González, who swiped 41 bags in 2024. (@tonybps1)
Adam Greene is a student UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. He currently writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League and UMass Athletics. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life and he's spent the last few years covering their farm system. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Greg covers the Toronto Blue Jays organization for Prospects1500. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, a long-suffering fan of both the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. For more than 15 years now a participant/commish in many dynasty baseball leagues, all with extremely deep minor league rosters. Follow on X @gregbracken07.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
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