The Cleveland Guardians have long made a name for themselves by developing talent from within, and that pipeline of young, high-upside players keeps flowing. One name to keep an eye on this offseason? Alfonsin Rosario - a 21-year-old outfield prospect who’s been turning heads back home in the Dominican Republic.
Rosario’s offseason work hasn’t gone unnoticed. A recent clip surfaced of him taking live batting practice, and he looked every bit like a player on the rise.
He’s coming off a breakout 2025 season where he launched a career-high 21 home runs and posted a 129 wRC+ - a strong indicator that his bat is becoming a real asset. That kind of production, especially from a young outfielder, is exactly what the Guardians are hoping to see as they build toward the future.
The expectation is that Rosario will open the 2026 season at Double-A Akron, a key proving ground for many of Cleveland’s top prospects. If he keeps trending upward, a promotion to Triple-A Columbus could be in the cards sooner rather than later. And from there, well - the big leagues aren't far off.
What makes Rosario’s rise even more intriguing is the current state of the Guardians’ outfield. The team has talent, no doubt, but they’re still looking for that extra offensive punch.
C.J. Kayfus and George Valera showed flashes last season, and Chase DeLauter is expected to be in the mix from Day 1 in 2026.
Add Steven Kwan - the steady left-handed bat - to the equation, and the Guardians have a lefty-heavy outfield with potential.
But potential doesn’t always translate to production, and that’s where depth becomes critical. Rosario brings a different profile to the mix - raw power, developing plate discipline, and the kind of momentum you want to see in a young hitter. He’s not knocking on the door just yet, but he’s definitely walking up the driveway.
For a team still searching for a consistent offensive spark from its outfield, Rosario’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time. If he keeps building on his 2025 campaign, it won’t be long before he’s not just a name to watch - he’s a name to pencil into the lineup.