Guardians unveil their top 20 prospects: a deep, upside-filled farm system led by Angel Genao
After the All-Star break, talk in Cleveland centers on the postseason, but the Guardians’ farm system continues to be a focal point for the franchise’s long-term plans. Here is Covering the Corner’s look at the organization’s top 20 prospects, based on a 20-80 scale with +/-5 increments, and incorporating a few tweaks to traditional rankings to reflect current performance, age, and development trajectory. The list also highlights where each player sits in the organization’s broader depth chart and what could push them toward major-league impact in the coming years.
1. Angel Genao
FV Overall: 55
Age: 21 (5/19/2004)
B/T: Switch/Right
Level: Double-A Akron
Acquired: International free agent, January 2021
Preseason Ranking: 1
Genao remains Cleveland’s top prospect by a wide margin. A switch-hitter with a polished feel for the zone, he’s grown physically from 5’9”/150 pounds to 6’0”/195 pounds and has begun to show more pull-side power as he ages. He projects to remain at shortstop thanks to soft hands, quick reactions, and strong routes to the ball. The biggest question is still whether his power will develop enough to translate his contact and on-base skills into a true impact profile. In Akron, he’s dealing with a recent slump, but his overall discipline remains a strength, with whiff rates under 20% and zone contact around 87%. If he continues to lift the ball and maintain his contact quality, he could push beyond gap-to-gap power.
2. Chase DeLauter
FV Overall: 55
Age: 23 (10/8/2001)
B/T: Left/Left
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft (1:16), James Madison
Preseason Ranking: 3
If healthy, DeLauter has a ceiling that could rank him among the system’s best hitters. A true five-tool talent, his 2025 season has been marked by a long injury arc: sports hernia surgery delayed his spring and a fractured hamate bone later in the year. When on the field, DeLauter has shown a blend of hit tool, power, speed, and solid defensive ability, and he’s looked like the best hitting prospect Cleveland has had in years—pending full health. The latest setback is a reminder that his health will be the key factor in placing him among the upper echelon of major-league-ready options.
3. Travis Bazzana
FV Overall: 55
Age: 22 (8/28/2002)
B/T: Left/Right
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft (1:1), Oregon State
Preseason Ranking: 2
Bazzana’s development has been steady, if uneven at times. An oblique injury limited his tempo early in the season, but he’s looked more like the Oregon State star again as he returned. His timing has improved, and he’s driving the ball more consistently to the pull side. The big caveat remains defense at second base— lateral movement and throwing mechanics are not yet premium—and the bat’s ability to stay in the big leagues will hinge on how his home/away splits and power develop. His plate discipline and contact remain strong, with elite swing decisions that could make him a steady contributor at second base in the majors if the glove improves.
4. Khal Stephen
FV Overall: 55
Age: 22 (12/21/2002)
B/T: Right/Right
Level: Double-A Akron
Acquired: Trade to Cleveland for Shane Bieber (7/31/25)
Preseason Ranking: N/A
Cleveland’s return for Bieber has produced an exciting pitcher in Khal Stephen. Standing 6’4”, he blends a plus fastball with a promising slider and a developing changeup. A shoulder impingement has slowed his progress briefly, but the organization is conservative and focused on health. Stephen’s fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s with significant extension, and his offspeed offerings give him matchup advantages, especially against left-handed hitters. If he can sustain a clean release and keep his walk rate in check as he advances, he has front-line upside.
5. Ralphy Velazquez
FV Overall: 50
Age: 20 (5/28/2005)
B/T: Left/Right
Level: Double-A Akron
Acquired: 2023 MLB Draft (1:23), Huntington Beach High School
Preseason Ranking: 8
Velazquez has emerged as the breakout story of Cleveland’s system in 2025. After a slow start, he turned into one of the hottest hitters in the high minors, elevating his game with improved plate discipline and power that’s more game-ready than his raw tools suggested. He’s shown game-changing exit velocities and strong performance against left-handed pitching. He’s versatile enough to handle corner outfield spots and first base, offering ceiling as a future impactful hitter who can contribute across multiple spots in the lineup. The major caveat is consistency against higher-level pitching and defense at a corner spot.
6. Cooper Ingle
FV Overall: 50
Age: 23 (2/23/2002)
B/T: Left/Right
Level: Double-A Akron
Acquired: 2023 MLB Draft (4:125), Clemson
Preseason Ranking: 7
Ingle’s rise is anchored by developing power and a plus hit-to-ball ability. He’s an athletic catcher with strong defensive instincts and framing ability, though the arm is not a true stopper and he may be better-suited as a catcher with a preference for a second-base or corner-outfield future if defense at the catching position plateaus. The power development, plus bat control, and ability to spray the ball to all fields keep him in the upper half of the system.
7. Braylon Doughty
FV Overall: 45
Age: 19 (12/7/2005)
B/T: Right/Right
Level: Class-A Lynchburg
Acquired: 2024 Draft (CB-A:36), Chaparral HS
Preseason Ranking: 9
Doughty offers advanced pitchability for his age and a fastball/slider pairing that already yields whiffs. His control and strike-zone awareness have improved significantly, while his delivery brings deception and timing disruption for hitters. He’s shown sustained performance in a recent run of starts, though innings caps loom as a potential constraint. If his development continues on track, he could move quickly through the system.
8. Juneiker Caceres
FV Overall: 45
Age: 17 (8/15/2007)
B/T: Left/Left
Level: Class-A Lynchburg
Acquired: International FA, January 2024
Preseason Ranking: NR
Caceres has been one of the season’s standout young hitters in the Guardians’ system. His feel for the barrel is advanced for his age, with power projection that grows as he matures physically. He’s shown premium bat control and the ability to hit for both average and power, with impressive early returns in his first full US season. The major adjustment for him will be to refine discipline and approach as he faces more advanced breaking balls and elevated pitching.
9. CJ Kayfus
FV Overall: 45
Age: 23 (10/28/2001)
B/T: Left/Left
Level: MLB Cleveland
Acquired: 2023 Draft (3:93), Miami (FL)
Preseason Ranking: 5
Kayfus earned a call-up to Cleveland after strong Triple-A performances, but more recent data suggest his raw power development has cooled somewhat. His best tool remains the solid hit approach and plate discipline, particularly against right-handed pitching, with potential to contribute as a platoon option at first base or a corner-outfield role. His power is more gap-to-gap than truly home-run threat, and he’s faced some struggles with velocity and breaking balls against left-handed pitching.
10. Jaison Chourio
FV Overall: 45
Age: 20 (5/19/2005)
B/T: Switch/Right
Level: High-A Lake County
Acquired: International FA, January 2022
Preseason Ranking: 4
Chourio’s profile remains one of high upside, with potential five-tool talent. The adjustment of his approach is critical after an injury-impacted 2025 season. His defensive tools (center field speed, routes, and arm) are a big asset, promising continued growth in the outfield. Offensively, his switch-hitting inconsistency and a tendency toward a lower swing rate at times have slowed his development. The long-term outlook is strong, but 2026 could be the year he makes a real leap if swing decisions and power development converge.
11. Parker Messick
FV Overall: 45
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Acquired: 2022 Draft (2:54), Florida State
Preseason Ranking: 10
Messick brings a deceptive, contact-based approach and a plus changeup that can generate whiffs. His fastball, while not overpowering, plays up due to extension and movement, and his breaking ball development remains a focal point. The organization would like to see a stronger slider or a viable sweeper option to complement the changeup. The ceiling remains interesting but is tied to translating whiffs into consistent MLB outs.
12. Jace LaViolette
FV Overall: 45
Acquired: 2025 Draft (1:27), Texas A&M
Level: MLB Cleveland
Preseason Ranking: N/A
LaViolette, a first-round pick in 2025, arrived with top-5 pre-season expectations before a sophomore-season dip. His fastball-heavy approach, plus power and an aggressive swing, suggest a potential efficient path to the majors if he can refine his contact against quality pitches and continue to adjust to pro-level breaking balls.
13. Welbyn Francisca
FV Overall: 45
Level: Low-A Lynchburg
Acquired: International FA, January 2023
Preseason Ranking: 6
Francisca remains a tantalizing talent with athleticism and hit potential. Improvements in ground-ball rate and zone control have helped, but there’s still a visible swing-and-miss component. His defensive profile at shortstop remains a plus, and as he tightens up approach and lift, he could push into the top tier of the system.
14. Alfonsin Rosario
FV Overall: 40
Age: 21
Level: Double-A Akron
Acquired: Trade from CHC for Eli Morgan (11/20/24)
Preseason Ranking: NR
Rosario has made a rapid impact in 2025, particularly in contact rates and promising power to all fields. He profiles as a corner-outfield bat with a strong arm in the corner, and he has the athleticism to play above-average defense. The main questions concern strikeout rate and consistent production against higher-level pitching. He’s a high-upside lottery ticket in the system.
15. Dean Curley
FV Overall: 40
Age: 22
Level: MLB Cleveland
Acquired: 2025 Draft (2:64), Tennessee
Preseason Ranking: NR
Curley, Cleveland’s late-first-round pick in 2025, is a bat-first prospect whose hit tool and plate discipline stand out. His swing is a bit loud, and he tends to be overly passive at times, which can limit early power development. He’s a strong chance to rise quickly through the minor league ranks if he can refine defense and continue to trust his power ceiling.
16. Austin Peterson
FV Overall: 40
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Acquired: 2022 Draft (9:271), UConn
Preseason Ranking: 10
Peterson is celebrated for his command—arguably the best in the Guardians’ system—but his raw stuff is, by MLB standards, average. He has a plus slider and a developing cutter, and his extension helps his stuff play up. The challenge remains optimizing his fastball and creating better separation from his changeup. If the organization adds velocity or a more dominant secondary pitch, Peterson could become a steady MLB contributor.
17. Kahlil Watson
FV Overall: 40
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Acquired: 2023 trade from MIA for Josh Bell
Preseason Ranking: NR
Watson’s athleticism and speed stand out, and his defense at shortstop and center field remains a strong selling point. The bat has not yet progressed consistently enough to secure a high ranking, with swing mechanics and pitch recognition still a work in progress. If he tightens the hit tool while maintaining elite defense, he could realize significant upside.
18. Juan Brito
FV Overall: 40
Age: 22
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Acquired: 2022 trade from COL for Nolan Jones
Preseason Ranking: NR
Brito is a bat-first middle infielder with a strong feel for the zone and contact. However, power remains modest, and his defensive value is limited by below-average range and a risky fit at second base. Injury history has also hampered his consistency in 2025. The profile hinges on hitting for impact rather than speed or defense.
19. Josh Hartle
FV Overall: 40
Level: High-A Lake County
Acquired: 2024 trade from PIT for Spencer Horwitz
Preseason Ranking: NR
Hartle’s left-handed delivery and groundball-induced success have been striking. He’s added velocity and a stronger cutter, producing one of the better groundball profiles in the system. The big challenge is whether his current approach translates into higher strikeouts and better whiffs against better competition.
20. Dauri Fernandez
FV Overall: 40
Level: Complex League
Acquired: International FA, January 2024
Preseason Ranking: NR
Fernandez has been a hot riser, with a compact lefty swing and power potential, especially to the right side. He’s showing speed, improved contact rates, and power development that hints at a future infield utility or corner-outfield role. As he progresses through the complex league and into full-season ball, his development will be one to watch.
Other notable names to watch
– Aaron Walton (CF)
– Daniel Espino (RHP)
– Yorman Gomez (RHP)
– Zack Cozart (C)
– Petey Halpin (CF)
– Riley Nelson (1B)
– Gabriel Rodriguez (SS)
– Franco Aleman (RP)
– Joey Oakie (RHP)
– George Valera (OF)
What this means for the Guardians
– Angel Genao is firmly the centerpiece, with a strong foundation as a potential long-term regular at shortstop if his power continues to develop.
– The organization has impressive depth, including a number of high-upside position players who, if they stay healthy, could contribute in a variety of roles or force positional shifts to maximize value.
– The pitching pipeline features a mix of high-upside arms (Khal Stephen, Braylon Doughty) and more refined, command-oriented arms (Parker Messick, Austin Peterson). The development curve for these arms will determine how quickly the Guardians can add impactful pitching to the MLB roster from within.
– Health and stay-healthy trajectories for Chase DeLauter and DeLauter’s ability to demonstrate elite offensive potential will significantly influence how high this system can rise in the near term.
Summary and outlook
Cleveland’s farm system remains among baseball’s deepest, with a compelling blend of high-ceiling bats and arms. Genao anchors the group, while DeLauter’s health and consistency could push him into the elite tier if fully realized. The pitching side features several players who could become major-league contributors, provided they stay healthy and continue to refine each of their secondary offerings. If the organization can translate this depth into sustained big-league impact over the next two to three seasons, Cleveland could see a core of players emerge that sustains competitive teams while supplementing the MLB roster with impact talent from within.
Additional notes for readers
– Expect continued movement as players like DeLauter, Stephen, and Doughty push through the system. Maturity, health, and adjustments to higher levels will shape how soon we see them contributing at the majors.
– The Guardians’ development philosophy—emphasizing bat-to-ball contact, zone discipline, and a mix of power projection with defense—appears well-suited to converting many of these prospects into future big-league players.
If you’d like, I can condense this into a shorter, desk-friendly briefing or expand each player’s entry with a quick “bet on” or “bet against” line to help readers quickly gauge upside and risk. I can also provide a side-by-side comparison with last year’s top-20 to illustrate progress and movement across the system.