A Quick Glance: Surveying the Guardians' Top 12 Prospects for 2025

The Guardians' farm system remains loaded heading into 2025. These rankings reflect my view on who's closest to helping in Cleveland and who has the best shot at making an impact over the next three years. Fair warning: I'm just a passionate fan who follows the box scores and available data - not a professional scout. Think of this more as a starting point for discussion than gospel.

My Top 12 Guardians Prospects:

1. Travis Bazzana, 2B
Oregon State star who dominated college baseball in 2024, slashing .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs. The Guardians' #1 overall pick looks like a potential fast riser through the system, but still needs to prove he has what it takes to be an everyday MLB starter.

2. Chase DeLauter, OF
Big, athletic outfielder (6'3", 235) with an advanced approach at the plate. Has dealt with some injuries but shows five-tool potential when healthy. His unique swing mechanics have produced results so far.

3. Juan Brito, 2B/3B
Contact-oriented infielder who controls the strike zone well. Can play multiple positions and has shown enough offense to project as an everyday player. He has a chance to break camp with the big league club this spring.

4. Angel Genao, SS
Switch-hitting shortstop who raked in Single and High-A (.330 average with 10 homers and 25 stolen bases). Smooth defender who's starting to add some pop to his game. Heard Jeff Ellis, co-host of the Locked on Guardians podcast, say that Genao is #2 on his list.

5. Jaison Chourio, OF
Speed and defense are his calling cards - swiped 40+ bases in 2024. Strong arm and great instincts in center field. Someone to dream on, for sure, especially if he can develop more power in his bat.

6. Joey Cantillo, LHP
Deceptive lefty who made his MLB debut in 2024. Uses his tall frame well and has shown he can miss bats with his pitch mix. 2025 will be a defining season for Cantillo to see if he can continue to improve his command and secure a rotation spot.

7. Johnathan Rodriguez, OF
Corner outfielder with serious raw power. Making strides with his plate approach and could provide middle-of-the-order potential. Put up impressive numbers at Triple-A in 2024: .301 average with 29 homers and 94 RBI.

8. Parker Messick, LHP
Polished lefty with an excellent changeup. Knows how to pitch and could develop into a reliable starter. The 24-year-old has a chance to make his MLB debut this year.

9. C.J. Kayfus, 1B/OF
Slugged 17 homers across two levels in 2024. Moves well for a first basemen, showing good instincts on both offense and defense.

Well-rounded catcher who can really hit, posting a .305 average with strong on-base skills in 2024. Despite smaller frame (5'10"), shows solid receiving skills and quick pop times to second base.

11. Ralphy Velazquez, C/1B
Versatile young slugger - can catch and play first base. Power is starting to show up in games. Still 19 years old and just got a taste of High-A to end last season.

12. Welbyn Francisca, SS
Agile shortstop who's still raw but shows exciting tools. Plus speed and actions in the field give him significant upside. He's only 18 so still has lots to prove. Looks very promising though.

Which prospects are you most excited about? Drop a comment below and let me know who you think will make the biggest impact in Cleveland.

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