Cleveland Guardians: Best Prospects Worth Keeping An Eye On
The Cleveland Guardians (yup, the change has come) have one of baseball’s best farm systems. Led by Tyler Freeman, George Valera, Gabriel Arias, Nolan Jones, and Brayan Rocchio, the talent is there for the team to really build into the future. What Cleveland also has are some of the best lower-level prospects. The guys who won’t get the attention of some of the major names, but can make just as big of an impact in the near future.
Now, there are quite a few players from the Guardians system that can be mentioned. I could easily name Bryan Lavastida or Johnkensy Noel, two guys, who despite their mid to lower rankings in the team top-30 have quite the following. And while this list has some mid-top-30 guys like Lavastida and Noel, these aren’t the names you are used to hearing.
Petey Halpin
Cleveland’s third-round pick in 2020 out of St. Francis High School, Halpin is one of the biggest breakouts this year for the Guardians. During the month of August with Lynchburg, Halpin hit .343 with a .446 OBP. Most impressive in 70 AB’s he amassed 5 doubles and 3 triples. While it’s hard to really tell if he’s going to be a true power threat, Halpin can hit and has great speed. There might be a bit of a hesitancy to steal, as he’s been caught stealing 8 times and successful 10. With a little more instruction, Halpin is going to be a big-time hitter at the major league level.
More MLB: Biggest Steals of the MLB Draft
Xzavion Curry
The Guardians can develop pitching with the best of the league. Curry was a college standout from Georgia Tech, who went in the 7th round of the 2020 draft. He’s not as prolific as some other top-pitching prospects. In fact, Curry is ranked 30 by MLB Pipeline on the Guardians’ top-30. Curry is one of the team’s best strikeout pitchers. In 89 innings across Lo-A and Hi-A, he’s amassed 115 K’s. Not to mention Curry also has .091 whip during his 12 starts in Hi-A, Lake County. He’s still got some work to do. But with a developing Curveball that has the makings to be just as deadly as Cleveland Guardians current ace, Triston McKenzie, look out for his stock to rise considerably.
Isaiah Greene
Why is Isaiah Greene so important to the Guardians? He was the unheralded prospect in the Francisco Lindor deal to the New York Mets. Drafted with the 69th pick in 2020, Greene is tearing up the Arizona league. He showing great plate discipline. With 29 BB’S to 32 Ks, Greene knows how to lay off pitches and knows the strike zone. He’s a speedster, who while only with 5 SB’s, has been graded a 60 on the run tool by MLB Pipeline and has room to grow in that area. The one thing about Greene, will the power ever come? That’s what’s holding him back by many scouts. Truthfully, with his plate discipline and hitting ability, even if he doesn’t develop that power, he’s going to be a big player for the Guardians future.
Image Source: Tim Phillis — TCP Photography
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
