The Guardians’ offseason has been all about striking the right balance - filling key holes on the big league roster while managing a pipeline of young talent that’s getting closer and closer to MLB-ready. And on Wednesday, we got another reminder of just how loaded Cleveland’s farm system is.
Baseball America dropped its latest Top 100 Prospects list, and the Guardians didn’t just make a solid showing - they tied with the Mets and White Sox for the most players on the list, with six prospects earning a spot. That’s not just a feather in the cap of the player development staff - it’s a sign that the Guardians are building something sustainable, even as they retool on the fly.
Travis Bazzana Leads the Pack
Headlining the group is second baseman Travis Bazzana, who landed at No. 22 overall. Bazzana’s been turning heads since the Guardians drafted him, and he’s now widely considered one of the top second base prospects in the game. MLB Pipeline recently ranked him No. 1 at the position, and Baseball America’s placement only reinforces the buzz.
Sure, his .225 average over 26 games at Triple-A last season doesn’t jump off the page, but don’t let that fool you. Bazzana posted a .420 on-base percentage and showed flashes of real power.
That’s the kind of plate discipline and pop that plays - especially in today’s game where on-base skills are at a premium. If all goes according to plan, we could see him in Cleveland early in 2026.
Chase DeLauter: Ready for the Spotlight
Next up is outfielder Chase DeLauter, who came in at No. 34.
After battling injuries for much of his early pro career, DeLauter finally broke through - and on the biggest stage, no less. He made his MLB debut during the postseason, a moment that could serve as the launchpad for a breakout 2026.
The Guardians have been searching for consistent production from their outfield, and DeLauter brings the kind of upside they desperately need. He’s got the tools - power, athleticism, and a solid approach at the plate.
The only question is whether he can stay healthy. If he does, he could be a major piece of the puzzle this season.
Future Cornerstones: Velazquez and Genao
While Bazzana and DeLauter are knocking on the big-league door, the next two names on the list are a bit further away - but just as important to Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Ralphy Velazquez, originally drafted as a catcher, has transitioned into a full-time first baseman - and he’s thriving. Still just 20 years old, Velazquez reached Double-A by the end of last season and posted a monster slash line: .330/.405/.589, with five homers and 22 RBI. That’s loud production, and it’s coming from a player who’s still figuring things out.
Right behind him is Angel Genao, a switch-hitting middle infielder who embodies the Guardians’ style of play - contact-oriented, smooth in the field, and quietly productive. He spent most of last season in Double-A, hitting .259 with a .323 OBP and providing plus defense.
Genao was recently added to Cleveland’s 40-man roster, and while he might not be a household name yet, he’s a name worth remembering. The Guardians have a history of developing these kinds of infielders - and Genao might be next in line.
Pitching Depth: Messick and Doughty Round It Out
The final two Guardians prospects on the Top 100 list are pitchers - and they landed back-to-back at No. 88 and No. 89.
Parker Messick made his big league debut last August and quietly impressed. Over seven starts, he posted a 2.72 ERA, showing poise and pitchability beyond his years.
He’s not going to blow hitters away with velocity, but he’s a smart lefty who knows how to keep hitters off balance. As of now, he’s got a real shot at locking down the final spot in the Guardians’ rotation in 2026.
Then there’s Braylon Doughty, who spent last season at Single-A. He logged 85 1/3 innings with a 3.48 ERA before a right shoulder injury cut his year short.
Assuming he’s healthy, he’ll likely start 2026 at High-A Lake County. He’s still early in his development, but the Guardians have a strong track record when it comes to grooming young arms - and Doughty could be the next success story out of their pitching pipeline.
A Deep Pool of Talent
In total, 11 Guardians prospects received votes for Baseball America’s Top 100, even though only six made the final cut. That includes names like Khal Stephen, Jace LaViolette, Cooper Ingle, Juneiker Caceres, and Joey Oakie - all of whom are still firmly on the radar.
For a team that’s trying to stay competitive while building from within, this kind of depth is invaluable. The Guardians aren’t just relying on one or two top prospects to carry the future - they’ve got waves of talent coming, and the rest of the league should take note.
The 2026 season could mark the beginning of a new era in Cleveland, one built on homegrown talent, smart development, and a front office that knows how to play the long game. With six top-100 prospects - and more waiting in the wings - the Guardians’ future looks as promising as it’s looked in years.