Buckle up, baseball fans – because prospect rankings can spark more debates than a heated playoff game! Want to dive into Cleveland Guardians prospects? I've got some fresh takes that might just challenge what you've heard. These aren't official rankings; they're my personal observations from watching these young talents, including some I saw in action last year. And trust me, we'll skip the newly drafted big names for now to focus on the ones who've been grinding in the system.
Let's kick things off by looking at Baseball America's latest top 10 Guardians prospects list. At the top spot? Travis Bazzana. No shocker there – he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. MLB Pipeline agrees he's the cream of the crop. They also slot Chase DeLauter as their second choice.
But here's where it gets controversial... I've watched both of these guys play, and in my book, DeLauter edges out Bazzana as the superior prospect right now. He's shaping up to be one of the finest hitters to emerge from Cleveland's farm system in recent memory. Sure, injuries have slowed him down – he's battled foot issues, had surgery on a hamate bone, and dealt with a sports hernia. Despite that, he still managed a .278 average with a .859 OPS, five home runs, and 21 RBIs in just 149 plate appearances at Triple-A. Over his pro career, in 583 trips to the plate, he's hitting .302 with a .888 OPS, 20 homers, and 89 RBIs. He even went 1-for-6 in the postseason for Cleveland. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, this left-handed slugger packs a powerful arm and has a background as a college closer throwing 92 mph, plus outfield experience at James Madison University. That's the kind of elite potential I envision when I think of top prospects.
Now, what about Bazzana? His 2024 season saw him hit .245 with a .813 OPS, nine home runs, and 39 RBIs in 374 plate appearances across Double-A and Triple-A. An oblique injury derailed him mid-summer, but he bounced back in September with a .290 average, .742 OPS, four homers in 38 at-bats. Unfortunately, that same injury resurfaced in late September, cutting his season short and keeping him out of the Arizona Fall League. It's way too soon to write him off; he just needs to regain full health and maybe ease up on the self-imposed pressure.
Some fans love pointing out how Nick Kurtz, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft, crushed it for Oakland with a .290 average, 1.002 OPS, and 36 home runs – imagine him in Cleveland gear! And don't forget the other 2024 draftees who tasted MLB action: Jac Caglianone (No. 6 pick for the Royals, .157 average), Christian Moore (No. 8 for the Angels, .198), and Cam Smith (No. 14 for the Astros, .236 with nine homers). Patience is key here – for Bazzana and all these top talents. As a lifelong second baseman, I'd love to see him shift to the outfield; his glove work at second is just decent.
And this is the part most people miss – the hidden gems bubbling under. I'm pumped about Ralphy Velazquez, who hit .265 with a .839 OPS, 22 home runs, and 85 RBIs across Single-A and Double-A last year. What stood out? He excelled even more at Double-A Akron, batting .330 in 28 games. At just 20 years old, this lefty was originally signed as a catcher but has transitioned to first base. I caught two of his games at Akron, and his opposite-field power is major-league impressive. Plus, he struck out only 104 times in 544 plate appearances – a stellar ratio for a young power bat. Baseball America ranks him No. 3, and I'd even bump him ahead of Bazzana currently.
Shifting to pitching, my top prospect pick is Parker Messick. Last spring, I raved about him after the Prospects Game; he was Cleveland's second-round selection in 2022 but didn't start professionally until 2023. By late 2024 (wait, that might be a typo; assuming it's 2024 per context), he earned a promotion to the big leagues, posting a 3-1 record and 2.72 ERA in seven starts. Having Messick could open trade possibilities for another lefty like Logan Allen. As the ACC Pitcher of the Year at Florida State, he boasts excellent command and composure, with a fastball strong enough to rattle hitters. I saw him pitch, and he blew me away!
Speaking of trades, when the Guardians pulled off that three-team deal to land Luis Ortiz, two other pitchers came along – and with Ortiz now entangled in an MLB gambling scandal, Cleveland might end up getting value for Andres Gimenez, who was part of the package sent to Toronto. The Guardians got minor leaguers Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle in return. Hartle is a favorite of mine; he went 10-3 with a 2.54 ERA in his debut full season. By summer's end, he made two appearances at Double-A Akron, including his first start there – which I attended. At 22, 6-foot-6, and 207 pounds, he's not a hard-throwing fireballer (his fastball is just average), but his breaking pitches shine. He carries himself with poise and presence, striking out 39 in 113 1/3 innings. He reminds me a bit of Cliff Lee – not that he's Cy Young caliber yet, but Lee started similarly and soared. Hartle could follow Messick's rapid ascent. While ranking services place him in the 20s, I'd slot him in the top 10.
Then there's the forgotten gem: Juan Brito. In 2023, he was Baseball America's Guardians Prospect of the Year – and my personal fave, a status he still holds. Last year, he hit .256 with a .807 OPS, 21 homers, 40 doubles, and 84 RBIs at Triple-A Columbus. He began 2024 strong but suffered a thumb injury needing surgery, followed by hamstring issues and another procedure, limiting him to just 24 games. He's fallen off most top-10 lists. But at 24, if health cooperates, he'll be a reliable MLB contributor. He's mostly played second base in the minors but logged 20 outfield games. As a switch-hitter, he swings with discipline and packs surprising pop for his listed 5-foot-11, 200-pound frame.
Finally, a shoutout to Austin Peterson – I believe he'll make it to the majors. He finished 2024 with an 8-6 record and 3.21 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A. This 6-foot-6, 234-pound right-hander looks like he should be flinging heat, but his fastball sits around the league-average 92 mph. He's more of a sinker-slider guy with solid control. Scouting reports doubted him after a 4.27 ERA in 17 Triple-A outings last year, and at 26, time's ticking. But I watched him at Double-A Akron, and he pitches with the same cool demeanor as Hartle – a big frame that should throw harder, but compensates with smarts and finesse.
What do you think – is DeLauter truly the better prospect than Bazzana, or am I out in left field? Should Bazzana switch positions, and could that unlock his potential? Who among these under-the-radar guys like Velazquez or Hartle will surprise us most? Drop your thoughts in the comments – let's debate!
Oh, and if you're in the area, come say hi: I'll be signing copies of my new Browns book, "Why Can't This Team Find a Quarterback?" at Westlake Barnes & Noble on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
