The Cleveland Guardians have kept things quiet this offseason, and while that might not be the headline-grabbing approach fans were hoping for after back-to-back AL Central titles, it’s clear the front office is playing the long game. Instead of chasing splashy free-agent deals, Cleveland is doubling down on internal development-and that includes keeping a sharp eye on international talent.
Enter John Cruz, a slick-fielding shortstop prospect out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. While Cruz isn’t eligible to sign until the 2027 international signing period opens on January 15 of that year, the Guardians are already laying the groundwork. According to reports, Cleveland is currently seen as the favorite to land Cruz, who trains with the respected Rivas Y Ventura Academy.
Now, let’s pump the brakes for a second. Cruz is still just a teenager, and projecting prospects this far out is always a roll of the dice.
But the early buzz is encouraging. The video clips making the rounds show a player with smooth defensive actions and a strong arm-traits that immediately jump off the screen for evaluators.
There’s still a long road ahead in terms of development, but the raw tools are there.
This is the kind of move that fits Cleveland’s blueprint. The Guardians have built a reputation for identifying and nurturing young talent, and they’ve leaned heavily on that strategy to stay competitive without breaking the bank. While it’s too early to pencil Cruz into any future lineup, the fact that the Guardians are already building a relationship speaks to their long-term vision.
And that vision is going to be tested soon. The organization is banking on internal growth, with several top prospects nearing their big-league debuts.
Chief among them is Travis Bazzana, the former No. 1 overall pick, who’s expected to arrive in the majors in 2026. If all goes according to plan, Bazzana could be the cornerstone of the infield for years to come.
The question now is who lines up next to him. Gabriel Arias, 25, had a chance to seize the shortstop job last season but struggled at the plate.
He’ll need to show more consistency with the bat if he wants to cement his role moving forward. Otherwise, the Guardians may continue to explore other options-both within the system and beyond.
That’s where someone like Cruz could eventually come into play. Again, he’s still years away, but these are the kinds of investments that can pay off big down the line. Cleveland’s scouts have a strong track record of uncovering under-the-radar talent, and if Cruz continues to develop, he could be the next name to watch.
For now, though, it’s all about patience. The Guardians aren’t chasing headlines this winter-they’re building for sustained success. And if their young core keeps progressing and international signings like Cruz pan out, this quiet offseason could end up being a pivotal chapter in the team’s long-term story.