Here's a fresh take on the Guardians' prospects, based on insights from Goodyear: **
Chase DeLauter is a force to be reckoned with. He's hitting like a champ, going 3 for 6 at the plate, and his hard-hit balls are a sight to behold. But, there's a catch: he's dealing with some lower body soreness. The Guardians are being cautious, given his injury history, including a sports hernia surgery last spring and hamate bone surgery in his hand during the 2025 season. Despite the setbacks, DeLauter's hard work and talent make him a prime outfield prospect.
George Valera, another outfielder, is healthy and hitting this spring. He's been around the block, having joined the team at the end of 2025. Valera's a lefty hitter with a knack for crushing right-handed pitchers, batting .319 (.940 OPS) against them in Class AAA last season. However, he struggles against left-handed pitching, going 4 for 10 this spring. Valera's plate presence and hitting prowess make him a potential major league player.
David Fry is making a nice comeback from Tommy John surgery. He's versatile, capable of playing catcher and outfield, and his right-handed hitting is a rare find on the roster. Fry's last healthy season in 2024 was impressive, batting .287 (.996 OPS) against lefties. His ability to platoon with Valera in left field is a game-changer.
Juan Brito is a rising star. He drilled a 415-foot homer earlier in the week, but had a rough day at third base. Brito, the Guardians' 2023 Minor League Player of the Year, has faced injuries in the past, including thumb and hamstring surgeries. He needs regular playing time to stay healthy and perform at his best.
Kahlil Watson is a former first-round pick who's making waves. He's a lefty hitter who's switched from infield to outfield, batting .250 (.813 OPS) between Class AA and AAA last season. Watson's athleticism and adaptability are impressive, and the Guardians believe he has a shot at making the majors in 2026.
Bo Naylor is a left-hitting catcher who's caught everyone's attention. His swing change seems to be paying off, as he hit .290 (.872 OPS) in September. However, Naylor's overall performance last season was underwhelming, with a .195 batting average and 14 homers.
Gabriel Arias is a shortstop with exceptional defensive skills, but his hitting struggles persist. With 1,034 career MLB plate appearances and a .215 batting average, Arias is likely to remain a part-time player. His age and hitting performance suggest he won't see significant improvement.
Brayan Rocchio is another player out of minor league options, meaning he'll likely start the season with Cleveland. Rocchio's hitting improved after a minor league stint in 2025, returning to bat .257 after the All-Star break. He's expected to open the season at second base.
Ralphy Velazquez is a young first baseman with power. He impressed during spring training with his quick left-handed bat, batting .265 (.839 OPS) with 22 homers last season. Velazquez's potential is high, and he could make his way to Cleveland before the end of the season.**
I'll be sharing my insights at the Music Box on March 4, primarily focusing on sports. Doors open at 5 p.m., and I'll be speaking at 7 p.m. For more details, visit https://musicboxcle.com/event/terry-pluto/.
I'm grateful for the support of my readers who've followed my work for decades. As the author of over 30 books, I've received accolades, including the National Headliner Award for best sports columnist in 2020 and best sports writer in [year].
