Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/24/25
Akron hitters draw tons of walks, Kayfus appears in RF for first time [with Noel and Jones not doing a heck of a lot, that could be significant; don't know if Kayfus has a RF arm]
Lehigh Valley IronPigs 7, Columbus Clippers 5 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 10, Richmond Flying Squirrels 2
Lake County Captains 3, Great Lakes Loons 1
Lynchburg Hillcats 3, Fayetteville Woodpeckers 0
HIGHLIGHTS
Johnathan Rodriguez (LF, Columbus): 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB - Rodriguez continues to hit Triple-A (or 4A) pitching. He shockingly hasn’t hit for a ton of power so far but he did hit the ball hard twice in this one. But still unsure how he ever gets playing time in Cleveland unless they make a RF change and commit. [another RF option is they're so inclined, which I don't think they are]
Cooper Ingle (DH, Akron): 2-3, RBI, 3BB - It’s been a bit of a slow start to the year for Ingle, but he’s still drawing walks. The strikeout rate is up a little, but it looks like it’s more due to some passivity. His fly ball rate has jumped this year too and he’s carrying a low BABIP. So it was good to see him finally get some positive results in this one and got on base five times.
Kahlil Watson (CF, Akron): 1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, BB - Watson smoked a triple to right field and glided into third easily with his speed. Akron has been a triples park this year for this team. Watson is hitting well early, though the strikeouts are still up there. [Strikeouts appear to be unavoidable part of his game]
Notable Performances
Will Brennan (CF, Columbus): 2-5, 2B - Like Rodriguez, Brennan is hitting Triple-A (and 4A) pitching quite well. He’s not really walking or striking out. And he’s hitting the ball about the same as normal exit velo wise. There haven’t really been any changes here at this point to note. So it’s also hard to see where things go for Brennan without some changes to his offensive game at age 27. [Speaking of potential RFs]
Joe Lampe (LF, Akron): 2-4, 2B, 2K - It’s been a tough start for the 24 year old but he was part of the early hitting barrage that got Akron off to a strong start here.
Trenton Denholm (tandem-SP, Akron): 4IP, 0H, BB, 3K - Denholm didn’t allow a hit taking over for Aaron Davenport in the fifth inning. He didn’t walk a batter till the seventh and didn’t allow any real hard contact. Denholm is repeating the level and should be getting a shot at Triple-A sometime this year to see what he can really do and what his future looks like.
CJ Kayfus (RF, Akron): 0-2, RBI, 2 BB - I’m putting Kayfus here despite no hits because he played right field for the first time in his pro career (he previously did a few times in college, so it’s been awhile). That’s something to keep an eye on. He wasn’t challenged to make any tough plays out there but did make a nice throw that showed he should have at least enough arm to compete out there. He was on base three times as well with a walk and a HBP.
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/24/25
Akron hitters draw tons of walks, Kayfus appears in RF for first time
Justin Lada
Apr 25
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD
Lehigh Valley IronPigs 7, Columbus Clippers 5 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 10, Richmond Flying Squirrels 2
Lake County Captains 3, Great Lakes Loons 1
Lynchburg Hillcats 3, Fayetteville Woodpeckers 0
HIGHLIGHTS
Johnathan Rodriguez (LF, Columbus): 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB - Rodriguez continues to hit Triple-A (or 4A) pitching. He shockingly hasn’t hit for a ton of power so far but he did hit the ball hard twice in this one. But still unsure how he ever gets playing time in Cleveland unless they make a RF change and commit.
Cooper Ingle (DH, Akron): 2-3, RBI, 3BB - It’s been a bit of a slow start to the year for Ingle, but he’s still drawing walks. The strikeout rate is up a little, but it looks like it’s more due to some passivity. His fly ball rate has jumped this year too and he’s carrying a low BABIP. So it was good to see him finally get some positive results in this one and got on base five times.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Upgrade to paid
Kahlil Watson (CF, Akron): 1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, BB - Watson smoked a triple to right field and glided into third easily with his speed. Akron has been a triples park this year for this team. Watson is hitting well early, though the strikeouts are still up there.
Notable Performances
Will Brennan (CF, Columbus): 2-5, 2B - Like Rodriguez, Brennan is hitting Triple-A (and 4A) pitching quite well. He’s not really walking or striking out. And he’s hitting the ball about the same as normal exit velo wise. There haven’t really been any changes here at this point to note. So it’s also hard to see where things go for Brennan without some changes to his offensive game at age 27.
Joe Lampe (LF, Akron): 2-4, 2B, 2K - It’s bee a tough start for the 24 year old but he was part of the early hitting barrage that got Akron off to a strong start here.
Trenton Denholm (tandem-SP, Akron): 4IP, 0H, BB, 3K - Denholm didn’t allow a hit taking over for Aaron Davenport in the fifth inning. He didn’t walk a batter till the seventh and didn’t allow any real hard contact. Denholm is repeating the level and should be getting a shot at Triple-A sometime this year to see what he can really do and what his future looks like.
CJ Kayfus (RF, Akron): 0-2, RBI, 2 BB - I’m putting Kayfus here despite no hits because he played right field for the first time in his pro career (he previously did a few times in college, so it’s been awhile). That’s something to keep an eye on. He wasn’t challenged to make any tough plays out there but did make a nice throw that showed he should have at least enough arm to compete out there. He was on base three times as well with a walk and a HBP.
Jackson Humphries (SP, Lake County): 4IP H, 2R, 4BB - Kind of a bad reason to make the notable Performances. Humphries continues to have control issues on and off. There is interesting stuff here that can miss bats. But he is a young player who is still going through bouts of not having any control with his stuff, yet he got by here.
Luis Merejo Jr. (1B, Lynchburg): 0-1, RBI, 2BB - Two walks and a sac fly is an interesting day for Merejo, who is more of a power prospect with swing and miss. He’s shown the ability to take walks, though you can’t really trust how projectable that will be going forward at his current level. But it’s a good day when he can have a productive day without a hit and not strikeout. [he's not 19 until late June; patience at his age is a good sign]
Tommy Hawke (LF, Lynchburg): 1-3, BB - Hawke continues to be able to hit Low-A pitching. I just can’t figure out what the Guardians thoughts are having a college aged player at a high level repeat Low-A and what that says about him. [does seem to be a message in there]
Rafe Schlesinger (SP, Lynchburg): 4.1IP, 4H, BB, 3K - Schlesinger isn’t getting hit much in Low-A. He’s not missing as many bats as you’d like at this level, but nobody seems to be hitting him hard and he probably should have a higher challenge sometime this year. [college pick last summer, I'd expect him in LC ]
Re: Minor Matters
13637BASEBALL AMERICA: 15 PROSPECTS ON THE RISE perhaps future Top 100
[i can think of only one Guardian, the one who get's all recent publicity]
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories ... y-in-2025/
With April just about in the books, it’s a good time to take a look at some prospects outside the Baseball America Top 100 Prospects list who have raised their profile over the first month of play. While small-sample caveats apply, it’s still important to take note of players showing new skills that are contributing to improved performances. A hitter adding strength or bat speed in the offseason might turn into newfound slugging. A pitcher adding velocity or refining a new pitch might lead to more whiffs, ground balls and weak contact. Even though it’s early, we can still examine these changes to try and determine if what we’re seeing is real or a mirage. With that in mind, today we’re highlighting 15 players who have made noise in the early portion of the season with their performance and could be up for future Top 100 consideration.
I'M WRONG
Braylon Doughty, RHP, Guardians
The Guardians held the top overall pick in the 2024 draft, as well as four picks inside the first 100 selections. They used their pool money to land a trio of high school righthanders in Joey Oakie, Chase Mobley and Doughty, the latter of whom received the biggest bonus and was the only member of the trio to break camp with a full-season affiliate.
So far, Doughty has made four starts, showing solid stuff and above-average command while striking out 30.8% of batters and walking 7.7%. His ERA of 4.30 is well above his FIP of 2.09. Doughty throws a four-seam fastball at 91-93 mph with around 17-18 inches of induced vertical break and slight cut. His primary secondary is a low-80s curveball with vicious two-plane bite. He’ll show a changeup, as well, providing Doughty the foundations of an above-average three-pitch mix. He’ll need to add more power to his arsenal in the coming years, but Doughty has a strong pitchability floor to stand on.
WELL THE OTHER GUY MADE THE FORTUNATE FIFTEEN TOO
C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians
There may not be a hitter on the planet as hot as Kayfus, who’s slashing .407/.514/.661 with four doubles, four triples and a home run over his first 16 games for Double-A Akron. Kayfus consistently catches flush barrels, allowing him to get the most out of his average raw power. It’s his barrel wizardry that allows him to be a polished contact hitter with above-average on-base skills while still showing strong power production. At the moment, Kayfus boasts the best overall stat line in the minor leagues and, after a breakout debut in 2024, he has a strong Top 100 case.
[i can think of only one Guardian, the one who get's all recent publicity]
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories ... y-in-2025/
With April just about in the books, it’s a good time to take a look at some prospects outside the Baseball America Top 100 Prospects list who have raised their profile over the first month of play. While small-sample caveats apply, it’s still important to take note of players showing new skills that are contributing to improved performances. A hitter adding strength or bat speed in the offseason might turn into newfound slugging. A pitcher adding velocity or refining a new pitch might lead to more whiffs, ground balls and weak contact. Even though it’s early, we can still examine these changes to try and determine if what we’re seeing is real or a mirage. With that in mind, today we’re highlighting 15 players who have made noise in the early portion of the season with their performance and could be up for future Top 100 consideration.
I'M WRONG
Braylon Doughty, RHP, Guardians
The Guardians held the top overall pick in the 2024 draft, as well as four picks inside the first 100 selections. They used their pool money to land a trio of high school righthanders in Joey Oakie, Chase Mobley and Doughty, the latter of whom received the biggest bonus and was the only member of the trio to break camp with a full-season affiliate.
So far, Doughty has made four starts, showing solid stuff and above-average command while striking out 30.8% of batters and walking 7.7%. His ERA of 4.30 is well above his FIP of 2.09. Doughty throws a four-seam fastball at 91-93 mph with around 17-18 inches of induced vertical break and slight cut. His primary secondary is a low-80s curveball with vicious two-plane bite. He’ll show a changeup, as well, providing Doughty the foundations of an above-average three-pitch mix. He’ll need to add more power to his arsenal in the coming years, but Doughty has a strong pitchability floor to stand on.
WELL THE OTHER GUY MADE THE FORTUNATE FIFTEEN TOO
C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians
There may not be a hitter on the planet as hot as Kayfus, who’s slashing .407/.514/.661 with four doubles, four triples and a home run over his first 16 games for Double-A Akron. Kayfus consistently catches flush barrels, allowing him to get the most out of his average raw power. It’s his barrel wizardry that allows him to be a polished contact hitter with above-average on-base skills while still showing strong power production. At the moment, Kayfus boasts the best overall stat line in the minor leagues and, after a breakout debut in 2024, he has a strong Top 100 case.
Re: Minor Matters
13638Zack Meisel
@ZackMeisel
·
3h
Cleveland prospect Juan Brito underwent thumb surgery to repair a sprained ligament. He’s expected to miss 8-12 weeks.
@ZackMeisel
·
3h
Cleveland prospect Juan Brito underwent thumb surgery to repair a sprained ligament. He’s expected to miss 8-12 weeks.
Re: Minor Matters
13639So of our top 10 prospects:
The Injured:
Genao out until June sometime
DeLauter out until later May maybe until he's hurt again
Brito out until late June or July
The Not injured:
Bazzana doing fine but not great
Chourio very young at his level starting to pick it up
Kayfus setting the world on fire
Ingle not doing a lot offensively except drawing walks
Velazquez bunch of homers, not a lot more, also young for his level
Francisca not even age 19 yet so his slow start is excusable, and he's picking up some
Doughty: the only pitcher; being challenged in full season and getting impressive reviews
The Injured:
Genao out until June sometime
DeLauter out until later May maybe until he's hurt again
Brito out until late June or July
The Not injured:
Bazzana doing fine but not great
Chourio very young at his level starting to pick it up
Kayfus setting the world on fire
Ingle not doing a lot offensively except drawing walks
Velazquez bunch of homers, not a lot more, also young for his level
Francisca not even age 19 yet so his slow start is excusable, and he's picking up some
Doughty: the only pitcher; being challenged in full season and getting impressive reviews
Re: Minor Matters
13640Friday games
SCOREBOARD
Lehigh Valley IronPigs 11, Columbus Clippers 3 - Statcast
Richmond Flying Squirrels at Akron RubberDucks (PPD - Rain)
Great Lakes Loons at Lake County Captains (PPD - rain)
Fayetteville Woodpeckers 9, Lynchburg Hillcats 6
HIGHLIGHTS
Bennett Thompson (C, Lynchburg): 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI - Last night, Thompson played his 13th game of the 2025 campaign, equaling his total from his draft season last year. The 13th-rounder marked the occasion with his best game as a professional so far, equaling his 2024 pro total of seven total bases in one night. Bennett now has 13 RBI, the same number of runs scored and five extra base hits (four doubles and a homer) this season compared to a pair of each (one double and one homer in the XBH category) in 2024. If he keeps this up, he might very well be the org’s breakout player of the season.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Upgrade to paid
Jervis Alfaro (SP, Lynchburg): ND, 5 IP, 2 H, 1 HBP, 1 K - While it’s hard to believe looking at the final score, the first five frames of last night’s Hillcat contest were an epic pitchers’ duel. Not coincidentally, Alfaro was the man who pitched those innings for Lynchburg. Jervis’ stellar start was his third great outing in four starts this season (and half of his four runs allowed in the other one were due to a Jose Pirela fielding miscue).
Petey Halpin (LF, Columbus): 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K - Halpin, one of three Clippers to reach multiple times last night, had Columbus’ only extra-base hit of the soggy evening - a 96.9 MPH double in the fourth. Two frames earlier, he topped the Clip Show exit velo chart for the day with a 109.9 MPH lineout to center field, which was fielded by rehabbing Phillie Brandon Marsh. Yes, this was a highlight. Yes, last night was THAT bad for the Clippers.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Christian Cairo (3B, Columbus): 1-2, 2 BB - While both of Cairo’s batted balls had sub-80 MPH exit velos, he did lead the Clippers in trips to the basepaths last night thanks to a pair of free passes.
Johnathan Rodriguez (DH, Columbus): 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K - Rodriguez now leads the team with a four-game hitting streak after a sixth-inning single (89.5 MPH).
Luis Frias (RP, Columbus): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 K - Frias’s stellar outing was a welcome oasis in last night’s pitching desert.
David Leon (RP, Columbus): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R (both earned), 1 HR allowed - POSITION. PLAYER. PITCHING.
Jose Pirela (CF, Lynchburg): 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI - Pirela equaled Akron’s C.J. Kayfus for the longest on-base streak in the org by reaching for the 16th straight game.
Tommy Hawke (LF, Lynchburg): 0-4,1 R, 1 BB, 2 K - On the subject of on-base streak, Hawke extended his to 13 games despite seeing his team-leading eleven-game hitting streak come to an end.
Welbyn Francisca (SS, Lynchburg): 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B,1 RBI, 1 BB - Francisca extended his on-base and hit streaks to eleven and five, respectively, with a double and a walk last night.
Yanki Baptsite (1B, Lynchburg): 1-3, 1 2B, 1 BB,1 K - Speaking of doubles, Baptiste opened his non-complex extra-base hit account with a two-bagger last night.
SCOREBOARD
Lehigh Valley IronPigs 11, Columbus Clippers 3 - Statcast
Richmond Flying Squirrels at Akron RubberDucks (PPD - Rain)
Great Lakes Loons at Lake County Captains (PPD - rain)
Fayetteville Woodpeckers 9, Lynchburg Hillcats 6
HIGHLIGHTS
Bennett Thompson (C, Lynchburg): 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI - Last night, Thompson played his 13th game of the 2025 campaign, equaling his total from his draft season last year. The 13th-rounder marked the occasion with his best game as a professional so far, equaling his 2024 pro total of seven total bases in one night. Bennett now has 13 RBI, the same number of runs scored and five extra base hits (four doubles and a homer) this season compared to a pair of each (one double and one homer in the XBH category) in 2024. If he keeps this up, he might very well be the org’s breakout player of the season.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Upgrade to paid
Jervis Alfaro (SP, Lynchburg): ND, 5 IP, 2 H, 1 HBP, 1 K - While it’s hard to believe looking at the final score, the first five frames of last night’s Hillcat contest were an epic pitchers’ duel. Not coincidentally, Alfaro was the man who pitched those innings for Lynchburg. Jervis’ stellar start was his third great outing in four starts this season (and half of his four runs allowed in the other one were due to a Jose Pirela fielding miscue).
Petey Halpin (LF, Columbus): 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K - Halpin, one of three Clippers to reach multiple times last night, had Columbus’ only extra-base hit of the soggy evening - a 96.9 MPH double in the fourth. Two frames earlier, he topped the Clip Show exit velo chart for the day with a 109.9 MPH lineout to center field, which was fielded by rehabbing Phillie Brandon Marsh. Yes, this was a highlight. Yes, last night was THAT bad for the Clippers.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Christian Cairo (3B, Columbus): 1-2, 2 BB - While both of Cairo’s batted balls had sub-80 MPH exit velos, he did lead the Clippers in trips to the basepaths last night thanks to a pair of free passes.
Johnathan Rodriguez (DH, Columbus): 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K - Rodriguez now leads the team with a four-game hitting streak after a sixth-inning single (89.5 MPH).
Luis Frias (RP, Columbus): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 K - Frias’s stellar outing was a welcome oasis in last night’s pitching desert.
David Leon (RP, Columbus): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R (both earned), 1 HR allowed - POSITION. PLAYER. PITCHING.
Jose Pirela (CF, Lynchburg): 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI - Pirela equaled Akron’s C.J. Kayfus for the longest on-base streak in the org by reaching for the 16th straight game.
Tommy Hawke (LF, Lynchburg): 0-4,1 R, 1 BB, 2 K - On the subject of on-base streak, Hawke extended his to 13 games despite seeing his team-leading eleven-game hitting streak come to an end.
Welbyn Francisca (SS, Lynchburg): 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B,1 RBI, 1 BB - Francisca extended his on-base and hit streaks to eleven and five, respectively, with a double and a walk last night.
Yanki Baptsite (1B, Lynchburg): 1-3, 1 2B, 1 BB,1 K - Speaking of doubles, Baptiste opened his non-complex extra-base hit account with a two-bagger last night.
Re: Minor Matters
13641before I go some highlights today
Messick very sharp innings 1 hit no runs 8 K 1 walk
Halpin single double triple
Enright is back at work although needs some work: 3 walks in a scoreless inning
Akron ahead 16-7
Bazzana single and 2 walks
Ingle double and walk
Mooney two singles
Burgos single and double
Guy Lipscomb 2 doubles single 5 rbi
Lake County down 12-5
Rosario 5th homer
Cozart 2 singles
Wilkinson 4 innings 4 earned runs 6 hits 2 walks
Lynchburg
Hawke single and another steal
Doughty 2 innings 2 runs 5 hits 1 walk 5 strikeouts ERA 4.86 16 2/3 25 strikeouts
Messick very sharp innings 1 hit no runs 8 K 1 walk
Halpin single double triple
Enright is back at work although needs some work: 3 walks in a scoreless inning
Akron ahead 16-7
Bazzana single and 2 walks
Ingle double and walk
Mooney two singles
Burgos single and double
Guy Lipscomb 2 doubles single 5 rbi
Lake County down 12-5
Rosario 5th homer
Cozart 2 singles
Wilkinson 4 innings 4 earned runs 6 hits 2 walks
Lynchburg
Hawke single and another steal
Doughty 2 innings 2 runs 5 hits 1 walk 5 strikeouts ERA 4.86 16 2/3 25 strikeouts
Re: Minor Matters
13642Guardians Prospective
@CleGuardPro
·
3h
Cleveland #Guardians minor league transactions:
1B/OF C.J. Kayfus assigned to Columbus from Akron
RHP Trenton Denholm assigned to Columbus from Akron
RHP Alonzo Richardson assigned to Akron from Columbus
RHP Carter Spivey assigned to Akron from Columbus
OF Justin Boyd assigned to Akron from Columbus
LHP Izaak Martinez assigned to Lake County from Lynchburg
RHP Xavier Xavier Martinez activated off the 7-day IL at Lynchburg
OF Carlos Gutierrez placed on the 7-day IL at Lynchburg
@CleGuardPro
·
3h
Cleveland #Guardians minor league transactions:
1B/OF C.J. Kayfus assigned to Columbus from Akron
RHP Trenton Denholm assigned to Columbus from Akron
RHP Alonzo Richardson assigned to Akron from Columbus
RHP Carter Spivey assigned to Akron from Columbus
OF Justin Boyd assigned to Akron from Columbus
LHP Izaak Martinez assigned to Lake County from Lynchburg
RHP Xavier Xavier Martinez activated off the 7-day IL at Lynchburg
OF Carlos Gutierrez placed on the 7-day IL at Lynchburg
Re: Minor Matters
13643Pinch hitting for civ:
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/27/25
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Mon, Apr 28 at 4:43 AM
Message Body
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/27/25
Matthew Kennell
Apr 28
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD
Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3, Columbus Clippers 2 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 16, Richmond Flying Squirrels 7
Great Lakes Loons 12, Lake County Captains 11
Fayetteville Woodpeckers 10, Lynchburg Hillcats 2
HIGHLIGHTS
Petey Halpin (CF, Columbus): 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B, 3B, SB - Halpin was a homerun away from hitting for the cycle in the one-run loss for Columbus on Sunday. The 22-year-old had exactly half of the team’s hits and scored both runs for the team after he reached base. He really caught fire in the final three days of the series with six hits and 15 total bases, a mark that is almost half of his 31 total bases on the season.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Parker Messick (SP, Columbus): 5.0 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 8 Ks, HBP - When the first batter of the game hit a double, things could have gotten away from Messick, but instead the lefty left two runners stranded in the first and only allowed a walk over the next four innings to be in line for the win when he left the mound. Messick got eight whiffs on 16 swings with his fastball after it topped out at 93.9 mph on Sunday.
Guy Lipscomb (RF, Akron): 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 2Bs, 5 RBIs, SH, OF Assist, DP - Lipscomb did a little bit of everything with a three-hit game, displayed pop with a pair of doubles, drove in a team-high five runs and even had an outfield assist to showcase his defensive abilities. This is only his second multi-hit game of the season, but in this one Lipscomb drove in Akron’s first two runs with an RBI double and each of his three hits contributed ton scoring. This game alone bumped his batting average 60 points to .231.
Joe Lampe (DH, Akron): 3-for-5, 3 R, 2 RBIs - Lampe was the other man in thew RubberDucks lineup with three hits on the day. All three times he reached base, he came around to score later in the inning. The 24-year-old recorded at least one hit in all five games played in the home series versus Richmond and tallied seven RBIs.
Christian Knapczyk (2B, Lake County): 1-for-5, 2B, 3 RBIs - Knapczyk was 0-for-4 before he stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the ninth as the game-tying run. He launched a double to clear the bases and put himself into scoring position to make the most of his opportunity in the clutch. Make it back-to-back games with an extra-base hit and six straight games reaching base for the former fifth round selection.
Izaak Martinez (RP, Lynchburg): 3.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 8 Ks - Martinez entered the game trailing 9-2, however that did not deter him from another lights out performance. Eight of the ten outs on the ledger of the UC San Diego product came on strikes. In his last two long relief appearances, Martinez has struck out 12 in 6.2 innings pitched and allowed two hits and one unearned run.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Jake Fox (CF, Akron): 1-for-3, 2 R, 3 RBIs, BB, SF - Fox, along with Lipscomb at the bottom of the order, contributed a combined eight RBIs, three of which credited to Fox. He drove in two runs via an RBI single and had a sacrifice fly.
Jorge Burgos (1B, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 DPs - The power surge has simmered for Burgos but he is still effective with the bat in his hand with four consecutive games with a hit. Burgos’ two RBIs runs his total to 20 in just 18 games played.
Alex Mooney (3B, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 R, BB - Mooney reached base three times with a pair of hits and a walk - just the second multi-hit game of the year for the former Duke Blue Devil.
Ross Carver (RP, Akron): S (1), 3.1 IP, H, 0 R, 3 BBs, 2 Ks - The outcome was well in hand but nonetheless, Carver was effective in allowing just one hit in 3.1 innings. His scoreless streak continues at 13.1 innings this year and a .163 batting average against.
Alfonsin Rosario (DH, Lake County): 1-for-5, R, HR, 2 RBIs - The 20-year-old has five homeruns and 15 RBIs on the young season thus far and is batting .302.
Wuilfredo Antunez (RF, Lake County): 2-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, RBI - Antunez led the Captains with six total bases after he hit his second homerun of the year and third double. All three of his hits in the Great Lakes series went for extra bases.
Ralphy Velasquez (1B, Lake County): 1-for-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBIs, DP - You take the little victories when you’re in a slump and for Velasquez, he had a little victory today with a two-run double in the midst of a six-run ninth.
Juan Benjamin (3B, Lake County): 2-for-3, 2 R, BB - Benjamin reached base in three of his four plate appearances on Sunday and had a hit in all three games played during the series against the Loons.
Jacob Cozart (C, Lake County): 2-for-4, R, RBI, BB, PB - Cozart had multiple hits and reached base a third time with a bases loaded walk to plate a run.
Garrett Howe (SS, Lynchburg): 2-for-4, R, SB - Howe was the lone man with a multi-hit game - a big rebound after a three-strikeout performance on Saturday.
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/27/25
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Mon, Apr 28 at 4:43 AM
Message Body
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/27/25
Matthew Kennell
Apr 28
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD
Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3, Columbus Clippers 2 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 16, Richmond Flying Squirrels 7
Great Lakes Loons 12, Lake County Captains 11
Fayetteville Woodpeckers 10, Lynchburg Hillcats 2
HIGHLIGHTS
Petey Halpin (CF, Columbus): 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B, 3B, SB - Halpin was a homerun away from hitting for the cycle in the one-run loss for Columbus on Sunday. The 22-year-old had exactly half of the team’s hits and scored both runs for the team after he reached base. He really caught fire in the final three days of the series with six hits and 15 total bases, a mark that is almost half of his 31 total bases on the season.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Parker Messick (SP, Columbus): 5.0 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 8 Ks, HBP - When the first batter of the game hit a double, things could have gotten away from Messick, but instead the lefty left two runners stranded in the first and only allowed a walk over the next four innings to be in line for the win when he left the mound. Messick got eight whiffs on 16 swings with his fastball after it topped out at 93.9 mph on Sunday.
Guy Lipscomb (RF, Akron): 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 2Bs, 5 RBIs, SH, OF Assist, DP - Lipscomb did a little bit of everything with a three-hit game, displayed pop with a pair of doubles, drove in a team-high five runs and even had an outfield assist to showcase his defensive abilities. This is only his second multi-hit game of the season, but in this one Lipscomb drove in Akron’s first two runs with an RBI double and each of his three hits contributed ton scoring. This game alone bumped his batting average 60 points to .231.
Joe Lampe (DH, Akron): 3-for-5, 3 R, 2 RBIs - Lampe was the other man in thew RubberDucks lineup with three hits on the day. All three times he reached base, he came around to score later in the inning. The 24-year-old recorded at least one hit in all five games played in the home series versus Richmond and tallied seven RBIs.
Christian Knapczyk (2B, Lake County): 1-for-5, 2B, 3 RBIs - Knapczyk was 0-for-4 before he stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the ninth as the game-tying run. He launched a double to clear the bases and put himself into scoring position to make the most of his opportunity in the clutch. Make it back-to-back games with an extra-base hit and six straight games reaching base for the former fifth round selection.
Izaak Martinez (RP, Lynchburg): 3.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 8 Ks - Martinez entered the game trailing 9-2, however that did not deter him from another lights out performance. Eight of the ten outs on the ledger of the UC San Diego product came on strikes. In his last two long relief appearances, Martinez has struck out 12 in 6.2 innings pitched and allowed two hits and one unearned run.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Jake Fox (CF, Akron): 1-for-3, 2 R, 3 RBIs, BB, SF - Fox, along with Lipscomb at the bottom of the order, contributed a combined eight RBIs, three of which credited to Fox. He drove in two runs via an RBI single and had a sacrifice fly.
Jorge Burgos (1B, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 DPs - The power surge has simmered for Burgos but he is still effective with the bat in his hand with four consecutive games with a hit. Burgos’ two RBIs runs his total to 20 in just 18 games played.
Alex Mooney (3B, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 R, BB - Mooney reached base three times with a pair of hits and a walk - just the second multi-hit game of the year for the former Duke Blue Devil.
Ross Carver (RP, Akron): S (1), 3.1 IP, H, 0 R, 3 BBs, 2 Ks - The outcome was well in hand but nonetheless, Carver was effective in allowing just one hit in 3.1 innings. His scoreless streak continues at 13.1 innings this year and a .163 batting average against.
Alfonsin Rosario (DH, Lake County): 1-for-5, R, HR, 2 RBIs - The 20-year-old has five homeruns and 15 RBIs on the young season thus far and is batting .302.
Wuilfredo Antunez (RF, Lake County): 2-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, RBI - Antunez led the Captains with six total bases after he hit his second homerun of the year and third double. All three of his hits in the Great Lakes series went for extra bases.
Ralphy Velasquez (1B, Lake County): 1-for-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBIs, DP - You take the little victories when you’re in a slump and for Velasquez, he had a little victory today with a two-run double in the midst of a six-run ninth.
Juan Benjamin (3B, Lake County): 2-for-3, 2 R, BB - Benjamin reached base in three of his four plate appearances on Sunday and had a hit in all three games played during the series against the Loons.
Jacob Cozart (C, Lake County): 2-for-4, R, RBI, BB, PB - Cozart had multiple hits and reached base a third time with a bases loaded walk to plate a run.
Garrett Howe (SS, Lynchburg): 2-for-4, R, SB - Howe was the lone man with a multi-hit game - a big rebound after a three-strikeout performance on Saturday.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13644Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/29/25
Travis Bazzana gets off the schnide and Christian Knapczyk is on a heater
Arthur Kinney
Apr 30
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD
St. Paul Saints 4, Columbus Clippers 2 (F/7 - Game 1) - Statcast
St. Paul Saints at Columbus Clippers (PPD - Rain - Game 2)
Altoona Curve 10, Akron RubberDucks 2
Lake County Captains 13, Lansing Lugnuts 5
Lynchburg Hillcats 6, Charleston RiverDogs 5
HIGHLIGHTS
Christian Knapczyk (2B, Lake County): 2-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 1 BB - Knapczyk followed up a stellar weekend at the Corner of SOM Center and Vine with this impressive evening in Lansing. Saturday’s doubleheader started a stretch during which Christian is 6-for-14 with three doubles (and an active three-game double streak), a triple, a home run, two walks, five runs scored, eight driven in (including a trio in each of his last two games), and multiple total bases in all four games. I’d say he’s on a hot streak.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Jonah Advincula (LF, Lake County): 2-4, 1 R, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 2 BB - Advincula seems to be out of the 0-for-5 mini-slump that marked most of last week’s homestand after following up an RBI double on Sunday with this multi-hit gem that brought his OPS to .960.
Jose Devers (DH, Lake County): 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 K - Devers extended his team-leading hitting and on-base streaks to nine and 15 games, respectively, with his seventh multi-base game of the hit streak an tenth in his last 13 games.
Jacob Cozart (C, Lake County): 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI - Cozart joined in on the fun last night, equaling his previous season-best April 6 performance at the Great Lakes Loons with a quartet of total bases and a pair of RBI.
Jeffrey Mercedes (DH, Lynchburg): 2-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB - Mercedes highlighted a big night for the Hillcat offense by driving in the back half of the Lynchburg runs on a pair of go-ahead extra-base hits - the latter of which opened his non-complex home run account with a two-run blast to right in the fifth that capped off the evening’s scoring.
Bennett Thompson (C, Lynchburg): 2-4, 3 R, 1 RBI - Thompson, who scored half of the Hillcat runs last night, continued an utterly dominant April (.377/.515/.509) with this multi-hit effort that extended his on-base streak to 15 games, now the longest active streak for a Hillcat after Tommy Hawke went 0-for-5 in his quest for a 16-game streak.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Johnathan Rodriguez (LF, Columbus): 1-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI - Rodriguez’s two-run homer in the bottom of the first (99.1 MPH, statcast didn’t get a distance) proved to be the offensive highlight of a truncated Dime-A-Dog Tuesday at the Corner of Neil and Nationwide.
Ryan Webb (SP, Columbus): ND, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R (both earned), 1 HBP, 1 WP, 6 K, 2 HR allowed - Eight of Webb’s 17 whiffs (second best in all of Triple-A yesterday, behind Saints starter David Festa’s 18) came on his slider, but so did both of the solo shots that prevented him - and the team - from getting the victory.
Travis Bazzana (2B, Akron): 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 K - After a 3-for-21 homestand, Bazzana wasted no time in starting this week’s roadtrip on the right foot, leading off the game with a solo blast to right field.
Jorge Burgos (1B, Akron): 0-3, 1 BB - Despite going hitless, Burgos extended his team-leading on-base streak to nine games with a leadoff walk in the ninth.
Austin Peterson (SP, Akron): ND, 1 IP, 1 K - We’ve found the one thing that can stop Peterson - the rain.
Alfonsin Rosario (RF, Lake County): 2-5, 2 R - Rosario keeps rolling along, this time with an easily-overshadowed multi-hit, multi-run performance that actually lowered his OPS from .965 to .953 due to lack of extra-base hits.
Maick Collado (3B, Lake County): 3-5, 2 R, 1 E - Collado improved his slash line from .200/.310/.240 to .267/.353/.300 in one night with his best performance of the 2025 campaign so far.
Ralphy Velazquez (1B, Lake County): 1-6, 1 R, 2 K - Velazquez extended his run scoring and productive plate appearance streaks to four and five games, respectively.
Dylan DeLucia (SP, Lake County): ND, 4 IP, 1 H, 5 BB, 3 K - DeLucia made it back-to-back four-inning shutout outings despite his worst night of the season control-wise.
Luis Merejo (1B, Lynchburg): 1-4, 1 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 K - Merejo got the Hillcats scoring started on Tuesday with his first triple of the season and second in non-complex ball.
Xavier Martinez (RP, Lynchburg): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 K - Martinez picked up right where he left off with this scoreless frame in his return from the 7-day IL.
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/29/25
Travis Bazzana gets off the schnide and Christian Knapczyk is on a heater
Arthur Kinney
Apr 30
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD
St. Paul Saints 4, Columbus Clippers 2 (F/7 - Game 1) - Statcast
St. Paul Saints at Columbus Clippers (PPD - Rain - Game 2)
Altoona Curve 10, Akron RubberDucks 2
Lake County Captains 13, Lansing Lugnuts 5
Lynchburg Hillcats 6, Charleston RiverDogs 5
HIGHLIGHTS
Christian Knapczyk (2B, Lake County): 2-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 1 BB - Knapczyk followed up a stellar weekend at the Corner of SOM Center and Vine with this impressive evening in Lansing. Saturday’s doubleheader started a stretch during which Christian is 6-for-14 with three doubles (and an active three-game double streak), a triple, a home run, two walks, five runs scored, eight driven in (including a trio in each of his last two games), and multiple total bases in all four games. I’d say he’s on a hot streak.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Jonah Advincula (LF, Lake County): 2-4, 1 R, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 2 BB - Advincula seems to be out of the 0-for-5 mini-slump that marked most of last week’s homestand after following up an RBI double on Sunday with this multi-hit gem that brought his OPS to .960.
Jose Devers (DH, Lake County): 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 K - Devers extended his team-leading hitting and on-base streaks to nine and 15 games, respectively, with his seventh multi-base game of the hit streak an tenth in his last 13 games.
Jacob Cozart (C, Lake County): 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI - Cozart joined in on the fun last night, equaling his previous season-best April 6 performance at the Great Lakes Loons with a quartet of total bases and a pair of RBI.
Jeffrey Mercedes (DH, Lynchburg): 2-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB - Mercedes highlighted a big night for the Hillcat offense by driving in the back half of the Lynchburg runs on a pair of go-ahead extra-base hits - the latter of which opened his non-complex home run account with a two-run blast to right in the fifth that capped off the evening’s scoring.
Bennett Thompson (C, Lynchburg): 2-4, 3 R, 1 RBI - Thompson, who scored half of the Hillcat runs last night, continued an utterly dominant April (.377/.515/.509) with this multi-hit effort that extended his on-base streak to 15 games, now the longest active streak for a Hillcat after Tommy Hawke went 0-for-5 in his quest for a 16-game streak.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Johnathan Rodriguez (LF, Columbus): 1-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI - Rodriguez’s two-run homer in the bottom of the first (99.1 MPH, statcast didn’t get a distance) proved to be the offensive highlight of a truncated Dime-A-Dog Tuesday at the Corner of Neil and Nationwide.
Ryan Webb (SP, Columbus): ND, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R (both earned), 1 HBP, 1 WP, 6 K, 2 HR allowed - Eight of Webb’s 17 whiffs (second best in all of Triple-A yesterday, behind Saints starter David Festa’s 18) came on his slider, but so did both of the solo shots that prevented him - and the team - from getting the victory.
Travis Bazzana (2B, Akron): 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 K - After a 3-for-21 homestand, Bazzana wasted no time in starting this week’s roadtrip on the right foot, leading off the game with a solo blast to right field.
Jorge Burgos (1B, Akron): 0-3, 1 BB - Despite going hitless, Burgos extended his team-leading on-base streak to nine games with a leadoff walk in the ninth.
Austin Peterson (SP, Akron): ND, 1 IP, 1 K - We’ve found the one thing that can stop Peterson - the rain.
Alfonsin Rosario (RF, Lake County): 2-5, 2 R - Rosario keeps rolling along, this time with an easily-overshadowed multi-hit, multi-run performance that actually lowered his OPS from .965 to .953 due to lack of extra-base hits.
Maick Collado (3B, Lake County): 3-5, 2 R, 1 E - Collado improved his slash line from .200/.310/.240 to .267/.353/.300 in one night with his best performance of the 2025 campaign so far.
Ralphy Velazquez (1B, Lake County): 1-6, 1 R, 2 K - Velazquez extended his run scoring and productive plate appearance streaks to four and five games, respectively.
Dylan DeLucia (SP, Lake County): ND, 4 IP, 1 H, 5 BB, 3 K - DeLucia made it back-to-back four-inning shutout outings despite his worst night of the season control-wise.
Luis Merejo (1B, Lynchburg): 1-4, 1 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 K - Merejo got the Hillcats scoring started on Tuesday with his first triple of the season and second in non-complex ball.
Xavier Martinez (RP, Lynchburg): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 K - Martinez picked up right where he left off with this scoreless frame in his return from the 7-day IL.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
136452025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #13 INF Juan Brito
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Thu, May 1 at 9:19 AM
Message Body
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #13 INF Juan Brito
Can Brito hit enough to make up for his lack of defensive value?
May 1
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 23
Acquired: Trade (Colorado - 2022, Nolan Jones)
2024 Level: Triple-A
Height: 6’2
Weight: 205
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
First Impression
Brito isn’t a physically imposing player. On the surface nothing really stands out. He’s not a great base runner and he doesn’t offer much in the way of defense, no matter where he stands. But the one thing to take note of with Brito is his plate discipline and contact skills, and a swing that is geared to pull the ball in the air, which allows him to take advantage of his hit tool and translate that into some pop and on-base skills.
2025 Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 45
Speed: 40
Defense: 40
Arm: 40
Overall: 45
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025
What Makes Brito Fun
It’s all about the hit tool. Brito hasn’t shown a great propensity to chase. He’s not a hacker. He’s a patient hitter who can put up a good at bat and is comfortable drawing a walk. When he does make contact, he can plug the gaps and corners the line drives and occasionally lift the ball over the fence from both sides of the plate. He’s no Juan Soto, maybe more of a Carlos Santana with slightly less power, but he can be a fun hitter to watch.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Brito Back?
He’s going to have to hit to carry a big league role. He’s most comfortable at second base, and that was in the words of Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti. Not that he’s good defender there, or can handle the position even, just where he’s most comfortable. Cleveland found that out by moving him to third base, right field and first base in 2024. That was mostly due to being blocked at second and third. He’s less blocked at second now, at least temporarily. Still, there’s not one position to really define Brito. He lacks range and general smooth actions. His arm probably profiles as average at best. On the bases, he did attempt 18 steals last year and might contribute some there early in his career, but it’s not an average tool for him. His ability to hold a starting job probably depends entirely on how much he can hit, walk and find power.
Key Metric
24.6% - Brito’s Triple-A chase rate in 2024. THat would have been in the top 30 in baseball among regulars last season - in fact, it was exactly Carlos Santan’s chase rate. Adjusting for the jump in pitching from Triple-A to the majors, even a 30% chase rate was in Jose Ramirez’s range last year, which was high for him, but still 6% below Andres Gimenez’s rate. His 86.9% zone contact rate was the same as Gimenez, however. So chasing less than Gimenez and matching his ability to make contact and potentially hit the ball in the air more (38% FB% and 47 pull%) give him more ability to take advantage of his best tool.
Intangibles
You can at least point to Brito’s willingness to move to different positions last year to attempt to be more valuable and find a path to the majors despite being most comfortable at second base. It’s a testament that his offensive numbers were still strong despite that movement.
Future
There are some fuzzy Carlos Santana type skills here. Santana has always had more power. So he could be a little lighter offensively in terms of power. A similar hit tool and he does have a swing geared to loft and pull. He should have a major league future in some capacity, either as an offensive-minded second baseman that could pop around 40 extra base hits a year and draw walks. However, if there’s not just enough hit/pop, he looks more like a utility infielder that is still more bat-first, but light enough to keep him on the bench because he can probably draw a walk and stand at infield spots and handle the outfield at times, plus he’s a switch hitter. Brito might get a chance to get major league playing time in 2025 but he’ll need to hit quickly for Cleveland with Travis Bazzana coming behind him like a tasmanian devil (too easy?).
Role/Risk
45/Moderate : Bat-first infielder that could be an average everyday regular or fringe starter/bench piece
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Thu, May 1 at 9:19 AM
Message Body
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #13 INF Juan Brito
Can Brito hit enough to make up for his lack of defensive value?
May 1
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 23
Acquired: Trade (Colorado - 2022, Nolan Jones)
2024 Level: Triple-A
Height: 6’2
Weight: 205
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
First Impression
Brito isn’t a physically imposing player. On the surface nothing really stands out. He’s not a great base runner and he doesn’t offer much in the way of defense, no matter where he stands. But the one thing to take note of with Brito is his plate discipline and contact skills, and a swing that is geared to pull the ball in the air, which allows him to take advantage of his hit tool and translate that into some pop and on-base skills.
2025 Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 45
Speed: 40
Defense: 40
Arm: 40
Overall: 45
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025
What Makes Brito Fun
It’s all about the hit tool. Brito hasn’t shown a great propensity to chase. He’s not a hacker. He’s a patient hitter who can put up a good at bat and is comfortable drawing a walk. When he does make contact, he can plug the gaps and corners the line drives and occasionally lift the ball over the fence from both sides of the plate. He’s no Juan Soto, maybe more of a Carlos Santana with slightly less power, but he can be a fun hitter to watch.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Brito Back?
He’s going to have to hit to carry a big league role. He’s most comfortable at second base, and that was in the words of Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti. Not that he’s good defender there, or can handle the position even, just where he’s most comfortable. Cleveland found that out by moving him to third base, right field and first base in 2024. That was mostly due to being blocked at second and third. He’s less blocked at second now, at least temporarily. Still, there’s not one position to really define Brito. He lacks range and general smooth actions. His arm probably profiles as average at best. On the bases, he did attempt 18 steals last year and might contribute some there early in his career, but it’s not an average tool for him. His ability to hold a starting job probably depends entirely on how much he can hit, walk and find power.
Key Metric
24.6% - Brito’s Triple-A chase rate in 2024. THat would have been in the top 30 in baseball among regulars last season - in fact, it was exactly Carlos Santan’s chase rate. Adjusting for the jump in pitching from Triple-A to the majors, even a 30% chase rate was in Jose Ramirez’s range last year, which was high for him, but still 6% below Andres Gimenez’s rate. His 86.9% zone contact rate was the same as Gimenez, however. So chasing less than Gimenez and matching his ability to make contact and potentially hit the ball in the air more (38% FB% and 47 pull%) give him more ability to take advantage of his best tool.
Intangibles
You can at least point to Brito’s willingness to move to different positions last year to attempt to be more valuable and find a path to the majors despite being most comfortable at second base. It’s a testament that his offensive numbers were still strong despite that movement.
Future
There are some fuzzy Carlos Santana type skills here. Santana has always had more power. So he could be a little lighter offensively in terms of power. A similar hit tool and he does have a swing geared to loft and pull. He should have a major league future in some capacity, either as an offensive-minded second baseman that could pop around 40 extra base hits a year and draw walks. However, if there’s not just enough hit/pop, he looks more like a utility infielder that is still more bat-first, but light enough to keep him on the bench because he can probably draw a walk and stand at infield spots and handle the outfield at times, plus he’s a switch hitter. Brito might get a chance to get major league playing time in 2025 but he’ll need to hit quickly for Cleveland with Travis Bazzana coming behind him like a tasmanian devil (too easy?).
Role/Risk
45/Moderate : Bat-first infielder that could be an average everyday regular or fringe starter/bench piece
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13646Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/30/25
Slade Secconi returns and CJ Kayfus stays hot in Triple-A debut
Matthew Kennell
May 1
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD:
St. Paul Saints 8, Columbus Clippers 7 - F/11 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 6, Altoona Curve 0
Lansing Lugnuts 5, Lake County Captains 2
Lynchburg Hillcats 7, Charleston RiverDogs 4
REHAB:
Slade Cecconi (RP, Columbus): 3.1 IP, H, 2 R, BB, 5 Ks - In a rehab appearance, Cecconi topped out at 98.2 mph on the fastball and induced 11 swings and misses on Wednesday. He got off to a good start with a six-pitch first inning and left his first start of the year after 50 pitches. He was able to keep the ball mostly on the ground with four ground ball outs to go with his five K’s.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
HIGHLIGHTS
CJ Kayfus (1B, Columbus): 2-for-5, R, HR, RBI, DP - In his Triple-A debut, Kayfus showed his upside with a 378-foot homerun to give the Clippers the lead back after the Saints tied it up in the top half of the sixth. He had a multi-hit game in his first Columbus start with a single in the third as well, tracked at 105.5 mph off the bat.
Aaron Davenport (SP, Akron): W (1-0), 6.0 IP, H, 0 R, 3 BBs, 5 Ks - After six shutout innings of work to help the RubberDucks secure a 6-0 win, it’s hard to find critiques, but 47 strikes in 81 pitches showed he had slight control issues and was able to work around free bases. This is already his second start of five or more innings where he allowed just one hit, but in the other three he allowed a combined nine runs. When the Washington native gets hot, he gets really hot on the bump.
Jeffrey Mercedes (3B, Lynchburg): 1-for-3, R, HR, 4 RBIs, BB - Mercedes made it back-to-back games with a homerun after he blasted a grand slam in Wednesday’s win. He had six total bases and three RBIs in his last game and followed that up with four of each and a walk to begin the series against Charleston.
Rafe Schlesinger (SP, Lynchburg): W (1-0), 5.0 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BBs, 5 Ks - The 22-year-old southpaw was stretched out to his longest start of the season and put himself in position for the pitching win with five innings of work. He allowed just two hits and one run. Schlesinger had 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings pitched on the young season.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Yordys Valdes (SS, Columbus): 2-for-6, 2 RBIs, SB, DP - A bases loaded single by Valdes drove in two for the Clippers early in the game and he was a part of a double steal that scored a run later in the inning to extend the lead.
Petey Halpin (CF, Columbus): 2-for-5, 2 R, 2B, BB, 2 SBs, OF Assist - Halpin did a little bit of everything with a pair of hits, including a double and a stolen base, but he also displayed excellent defense by preserving a run at home with an outfield assist. That is his second assist of the year.
Will Brennan (RF, Columbus): 2-for-6, 2B, RBI, OF Assist - Brennan added a multi-hit game and an outfield assist as well, but Brennan’s went to second base in the midst of extra innings.
Khalil Watson (CF, Akron): 2-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBIs, BB, HBP, SB - Watson slugged his second homerun of the season in the third and added a single in the first for a multi-hit game. It is just his second multi-hit game of the year despite a decent batting average at .250.
Cooper Ingle (C, Akron): 2-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB - Ingle reached base three times and hit his third double in his last four games played. He has also drawn five walks in as many games.
Tyresse Turner (1B, Akron): 2-for-4, R, HBP, 2 SBs, DP - Turner extended his hit streak to four games in a row with a 2-for-4 effort on Wednesday. He used his speed to take a few extra bases to put himself in scoring position twice.
Alex Mooney (SS, Akron): 1-for-3, 2 R, 2B, BB, HBP, 5 SBs - The main culprit for the RubberDucks abusing the battery of Altoona on Wednesday was Mooney. He stole five of the team’s nine bases on the night. Five successful steals is a new career high, and 6-of-16 hits on the year for Mooney have gone for extra bases.
Josh Harlow (RP, Lake County): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - The 24-year-old Mercer product retired all six batters he faced and gave the offense a chance to catch up, but the 5-1 hole was too much to overcome when he entered. A much-needed relief appearance after allowing six earned runs in his last 1.2 innings.
Luis Merejo (1B, Lynchburg): 1-for-2, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, HBP - The 18-year-old reached base three times, but the highlight came on a solo homerun in the seventh inning, his fourth already in 2025. Over half of his 13 hits on the season have gone for extra bases.
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/30/25
Slade Secconi returns and CJ Kayfus stays hot in Triple-A debut
Matthew Kennell
May 1
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD:
St. Paul Saints 8, Columbus Clippers 7 - F/11 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 6, Altoona Curve 0
Lansing Lugnuts 5, Lake County Captains 2
Lynchburg Hillcats 7, Charleston RiverDogs 4
REHAB:
Slade Cecconi (RP, Columbus): 3.1 IP, H, 2 R, BB, 5 Ks - In a rehab appearance, Cecconi topped out at 98.2 mph on the fastball and induced 11 swings and misses on Wednesday. He got off to a good start with a six-pitch first inning and left his first start of the year after 50 pitches. He was able to keep the ball mostly on the ground with four ground ball outs to go with his five K’s.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
HIGHLIGHTS
CJ Kayfus (1B, Columbus): 2-for-5, R, HR, RBI, DP - In his Triple-A debut, Kayfus showed his upside with a 378-foot homerun to give the Clippers the lead back after the Saints tied it up in the top half of the sixth. He had a multi-hit game in his first Columbus start with a single in the third as well, tracked at 105.5 mph off the bat.
Aaron Davenport (SP, Akron): W (1-0), 6.0 IP, H, 0 R, 3 BBs, 5 Ks - After six shutout innings of work to help the RubberDucks secure a 6-0 win, it’s hard to find critiques, but 47 strikes in 81 pitches showed he had slight control issues and was able to work around free bases. This is already his second start of five or more innings where he allowed just one hit, but in the other three he allowed a combined nine runs. When the Washington native gets hot, he gets really hot on the bump.
Jeffrey Mercedes (3B, Lynchburg): 1-for-3, R, HR, 4 RBIs, BB - Mercedes made it back-to-back games with a homerun after he blasted a grand slam in Wednesday’s win. He had six total bases and three RBIs in his last game and followed that up with four of each and a walk to begin the series against Charleston.
Rafe Schlesinger (SP, Lynchburg): W (1-0), 5.0 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BBs, 5 Ks - The 22-year-old southpaw was stretched out to his longest start of the season and put himself in position for the pitching win with five innings of work. He allowed just two hits and one run. Schlesinger had 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings pitched on the young season.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Yordys Valdes (SS, Columbus): 2-for-6, 2 RBIs, SB, DP - A bases loaded single by Valdes drove in two for the Clippers early in the game and he was a part of a double steal that scored a run later in the inning to extend the lead.
Petey Halpin (CF, Columbus): 2-for-5, 2 R, 2B, BB, 2 SBs, OF Assist - Halpin did a little bit of everything with a pair of hits, including a double and a stolen base, but he also displayed excellent defense by preserving a run at home with an outfield assist. That is his second assist of the year.
Will Brennan (RF, Columbus): 2-for-6, 2B, RBI, OF Assist - Brennan added a multi-hit game and an outfield assist as well, but Brennan’s went to second base in the midst of extra innings.
Khalil Watson (CF, Akron): 2-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBIs, BB, HBP, SB - Watson slugged his second homerun of the season in the third and added a single in the first for a multi-hit game. It is just his second multi-hit game of the year despite a decent batting average at .250.
Cooper Ingle (C, Akron): 2-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB - Ingle reached base three times and hit his third double in his last four games played. He has also drawn five walks in as many games.
Tyresse Turner (1B, Akron): 2-for-4, R, HBP, 2 SBs, DP - Turner extended his hit streak to four games in a row with a 2-for-4 effort on Wednesday. He used his speed to take a few extra bases to put himself in scoring position twice.
Alex Mooney (SS, Akron): 1-for-3, 2 R, 2B, BB, HBP, 5 SBs - The main culprit for the RubberDucks abusing the battery of Altoona on Wednesday was Mooney. He stole five of the team’s nine bases on the night. Five successful steals is a new career high, and 6-of-16 hits on the year for Mooney have gone for extra bases.
Josh Harlow (RP, Lake County): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - The 24-year-old Mercer product retired all six batters he faced and gave the offense a chance to catch up, but the 5-1 hole was too much to overcome when he entered. A much-needed relief appearance after allowing six earned runs in his last 1.2 innings.
Luis Merejo (1B, Lynchburg): 1-for-2, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, HBP - The 18-year-old reached base three times, but the highlight came on a solo homerun in the seventh inning, his fourth already in 2025. Over half of his 13 hits on the season have gone for extra bases.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13647Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #12 LHP Parker Messick
Is Messick ready to take the leap and debut in 2025?
Justin Lada
May 3
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 24
Acquired: Draft (2022, 2nd Round)
2024 Level: Double-A
Rule 5: 2025
Height: 6’0
Weight: 225
Throws: Left
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 50
Slider: 50
Curveball: 45
Changeup: 55
Command: 50
Overall: 45
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2026
First impression
Pitchability lefty with a sneaky fastball, good command, plus changeup, high energy and deceptive delivery.
What Makes Messick Fun
If you're into pitchability, deceptive lefties with power changeups, Messick is your kind of pitching prospect. He knows how to kill spin with his changeup and he throws with good arm speed to increase deception and separate his fastball from his changeup. Dives away from right-handers and dies under bats. He's not afraid to throw it to lefties either and he's not afraid to throw it in any count. He has confidence in what is a well above average pitch, possibly plus. His deceptive delivery creates a shallow approach angle on his fastball that helps it play up over a low-90s velocity sneaking by hitters and getting swings and misses in the zone. His fastball and changeup are good enough for him at this stage of the minors, though he mixes in what looks to be an average slider that can also get swings and misses. He has confidence in the slider to throw it behind and counts as well. He controls everything well and generally limits walks and can suppress contact. Curveball is a little slurvy but gives him a different look. Has improved control and conditioning more since he's gotten into the system. Deceptive delivery arm angle plus changeip really drive the profile. Has enough stuff now to profile as a potential back end starter.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Messick Back
Despite it’s deception, Messick's velocity is still in a lower range where making a mistake in the majors could leave him susceptible to damage. He'll need good location with the fastball on top of the deception to make it work at the current velocity. He may be change up dependent and will need to be in counts where he can use it effectively. The curveball can be a little bit slurvy at times and it's a clear fourth pitch. Slider could be a little tighter as well. Delivery is a bit noisy despite his control in the minors. Despite his decent walk rates, he does run up higher pitch counts at times and can miss at the top with his fastball. Against upper level hitting he may not get swings off the black the way he currently does. He'll need to prove that his command can hold up against upper level hitters. Delivery may prevent him from repeating his minor league control metrics. Has improved body type as he's gotten in the pros and could continue to refine this. Could continue to find more fastball velocity.
Key Metric
17.1% - Messick was able to increase his swing strike rate and strikeout rate while maintaining the same walkrate when hitting Double-A in 2024 pitching the same amount of innings. Double-A hitters had just as a hard of time making contact against him, showing he was ready for the level and that his stuff can get swings and misses now at the upper levels of the minors.
Intangibles
Energetic competitor and isn't afraid to show emotion on the mound and pitch with it under control. Has worked hard on conditioning in the pros and improving his stuff. Good marks for being a good teammate and competitor. Smart about the craft of pitching.
Future
Cleveland has slow played Messick's rise in the minors. In 2023 given where he came from in college, he probably didn't need to face lower level hitting. He probably could have been in Double-A to start 2024, not that he was without challenges. He should be ready for Triple-A at some point in 2025. He'll need to test how much control he has and how effective it is against better hitters to avoid walks and traffic to overcome what is not overpowering stuff despite his plus change up. We will see if his fastball continues to work against upper level hitters and the deception is real. Triple-A has been an adjustment for a lot of Cleveland pitchers with Messick's profile. He's not dissimilar to Logan Allen where he relies on a low 90s fastball with deception and a plus changeup. Allen’s slider might have been a little better than Messick's at this stage. He should have enough control of a fastball and changeup that should allow him to be a potential backing starter with five and fly type stuff.
Role/Risk
45/Moderate - Backend five and dive type starter/depth arm
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #12 LHP Parker Messick
Is Messick ready to take the leap and debut in 2025?
Justin Lada
May 3
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 24
Acquired: Draft (2022, 2nd Round)
2024 Level: Double-A
Rule 5: 2025
Height: 6’0
Weight: 225
Throws: Left
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 50
Slider: 50
Curveball: 45
Changeup: 55
Command: 50
Overall: 45
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2026
First impression
Pitchability lefty with a sneaky fastball, good command, plus changeup, high energy and deceptive delivery.
What Makes Messick Fun
If you're into pitchability, deceptive lefties with power changeups, Messick is your kind of pitching prospect. He knows how to kill spin with his changeup and he throws with good arm speed to increase deception and separate his fastball from his changeup. Dives away from right-handers and dies under bats. He's not afraid to throw it to lefties either and he's not afraid to throw it in any count. He has confidence in what is a well above average pitch, possibly plus. His deceptive delivery creates a shallow approach angle on his fastball that helps it play up over a low-90s velocity sneaking by hitters and getting swings and misses in the zone. His fastball and changeup are good enough for him at this stage of the minors, though he mixes in what looks to be an average slider that can also get swings and misses. He has confidence in the slider to throw it behind and counts as well. He controls everything well and generally limits walks and can suppress contact. Curveball is a little slurvy but gives him a different look. Has improved control and conditioning more since he's gotten into the system. Deceptive delivery arm angle plus changeip really drive the profile. Has enough stuff now to profile as a potential back end starter.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Messick Back
Despite it’s deception, Messick's velocity is still in a lower range where making a mistake in the majors could leave him susceptible to damage. He'll need good location with the fastball on top of the deception to make it work at the current velocity. He may be change up dependent and will need to be in counts where he can use it effectively. The curveball can be a little bit slurvy at times and it's a clear fourth pitch. Slider could be a little tighter as well. Delivery is a bit noisy despite his control in the minors. Despite his decent walk rates, he does run up higher pitch counts at times and can miss at the top with his fastball. Against upper level hitting he may not get swings off the black the way he currently does. He'll need to prove that his command can hold up against upper level hitters. Delivery may prevent him from repeating his minor league control metrics. Has improved body type as he's gotten in the pros and could continue to refine this. Could continue to find more fastball velocity.
Key Metric
17.1% - Messick was able to increase his swing strike rate and strikeout rate while maintaining the same walkrate when hitting Double-A in 2024 pitching the same amount of innings. Double-A hitters had just as a hard of time making contact against him, showing he was ready for the level and that his stuff can get swings and misses now at the upper levels of the minors.
Intangibles
Energetic competitor and isn't afraid to show emotion on the mound and pitch with it under control. Has worked hard on conditioning in the pros and improving his stuff. Good marks for being a good teammate and competitor. Smart about the craft of pitching.
Future
Cleveland has slow played Messick's rise in the minors. In 2023 given where he came from in college, he probably didn't need to face lower level hitting. He probably could have been in Double-A to start 2024, not that he was without challenges. He should be ready for Triple-A at some point in 2025. He'll need to test how much control he has and how effective it is against better hitters to avoid walks and traffic to overcome what is not overpowering stuff despite his plus change up. We will see if his fastball continues to work against upper level hitters and the deception is real. Triple-A has been an adjustment for a lot of Cleveland pitchers with Messick's profile. He's not dissimilar to Logan Allen where he relies on a low 90s fastball with deception and a plus changeup. Allen’s slider might have been a little better than Messick's at this stage. He should have enough control of a fastball and changeup that should allow him to be a potential backing starter with five and fly type stuff.
Role/Risk
45/Moderate - Backend five and dive type starter/depth arm
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain