Once again, we saw another wave of rookies transition to the big leagues this season. Once again, they seemed to fit right in.
Guys like Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams and Logan Allen didn’t just get their feet wet this year; they were key pieces in Cleveland’s rotation for most of the season and have cemented their places on the roster for 2024. So, where does that leave the state of the farm system heading into 2024?
3 players who forced their way onto the radar this year
OF Johnathan Rodriguez: We may be naming three players who forced their way onto the radar this year, but Rodriguez was the absolute standout this season. Rodriguez, the team’s No. 24 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, led all Cleveland Minor Leaguers in nearly every offensive category this season, including average (.286), homers (29), RBIs (88), slugging (.529), OPS (.897), hits (142) and extra-base hits (59). He’s the opposite of the majority of hitters in Cleveland’s system (and on its Major League roster) in that power is usually over his hit ability. But this year, he did both exceptionally well split between Double-A Akron (88 games) and Triple-A Columbus (47 games).
LHP Will Dion: Every year, the Guardians seem to have another starting pitching prospect make his debut and somehow seamlessly thrive. We’ve seen it with guys like Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Aaron Civale, Bibee, Allen and Williams. The list seems endless at this point. Maybe Dion, Cleveland’s No. 27 prospect, can be that next name. He spent most of his season in Akron this year and is primed for a promotion up to Columbus next season. He led all Cleveland Minor League pitchers in ERA (2.39), WHIP (1.08) and opponent average (.216).
LHP Parker Messick: The Guardians’ No. 17 prospect split his season between Single-A Lynchburg and High-A Lake County. He owned a combined ERA of 3.77 and struck out 136 batters in 121 2/3 innings. He struggled more after his promotion to the higher level, but the strikeouts (which were the second most by a Cleveland Minor Leaguer) and his .236 opponent average are indicators that he’s trending in the right direction. If he can build upon this foundation in 2024, he could become yet another starting pitcher to keep an eye on for the future.
2 possible breakout players to watch in 2024
1B Kyle Manzardo: Trading Aaron Civale at the Trade Deadline this year certainly was difficult for the team (and the fanbase) to swallow. But that can all be put in the rearview mirror if Manzardo sees the success at the big league level that he’s projected to have. Whether he rotates at first base with Josh Naylor or just simply DHs, Manzardo is expected to finally be a piece who can bring some pop to the offense. Cleveland’s No. 2 prospect is more known for his contact ability than his power, but he’s proven over the last few seasons that he can grow into more pop. This could finally be a bat the Guardians have desperately been looking for.
OF Chase DeLauter: In a normal world, someone who was just drafted last year and couldn’t make his professional debut until mid-2023 because of having foot surgery in January wouldn’t be on a big league radar just yet. But it doesn’t seem like DeLauter is in a normal world. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound DeLauter has everything the Guardians are looking for: Speed, athleticism, plate discipline and power. The team’s No. 4 prospect played mostly with Lake County this season, hitting .366 with a .952 OPS in 42 games. In six games with Akron, he went 8-for-22 (.364) with a double and four RBIs. MLB Pipeline has DeLauter projected to reach the Majors in 2025, but with a full (and healthy) season to climb the Minor League ranks next year in addition to Cleveland’s need for outfielders, DeLauter could make his debut by the end of ’24.
1 big question for next season: Who’s at shortstop?
The Guardians are heading into next season with a wide-open shortstop battle. The team tried to give Gabriel Arias, who’s graduated out of the “prospect” category, the first chance at claiming that spot because of his elite defense, but his bat this season wasn’t consistent enough to know hands-down that he’ll be the guy they turn to next season.
That means players like Tyler Freeman and top prospect Brayan Rocchio will be fighting for that same spot. If the top options don’t pan out, it opens an opportunity for up-and-comers like No. 14 Jose Tena or No. 6 Juan Brito to have a clear path to the big leagues. The problem is, the organization won’t know the best option until Spring Training is well underway.