Cleveland Guardians: Which Prospect Could Be the Next Position Player?

Why the Guardians Need Another Everyday Player

The Cleveland club has been shuffling its lineup all season, trying to find the right mix of power, speed, and defense. Injuries and inconsistent production have left a gap at the "third" position player slot – essentially a versatile everyday man who can cover the corners of the diamond and hold his own at the plate. While veterans like Johnathan Rodriguez and Jhonkensy Noel provide depth, the front office is keen on promoting a home‑grown talent who fits the team’s long‑term plan.

Enter the prospect pipeline. The Guardians’ farm system is stocked with players who have already shown flashes of brilliance in Double‑A and Triple‑A. The question now is: which of these if any should be given a regular roster spot?

Three Prospects Who Could Earn the Call‑Up

Cleveland Guardians fans should keep an eye on these three names as the most plausible candidates for a third position role.

• Travis Bazzana – Second Base: At 23, Bazzana blends a solid bat with defensive reliability. He hits left‑handed, throws right, and posted a .298 average with 12 home runs across Double‑A and Triple‑A this year. His ability to drive the ball to the opposite field makes him a threat in the middle of the lineup, while his range at second base gives the infield a quieter, cleaner look.
• Chase DeLauter – Outfield: Standing 6'3" and weighing 235 lbs, DeLauter is a power‑focused left‑handed hitter who also throws left. He smashed 18 homers in the minors and posted a .260 average, but what sets him apart is his speed on the bases – he stole 15 bags in his last stint. His size and strength make him a candidate for a corner outfield spot, but his speed could also see him slot into left field where defensive flexibility is prized.
• Angel Genao – Shortstop: The 21‑year‑old switch‑hitter brings a rare combination of contact ability and defensive upside. He logged a .285 average with a respectable on‑base percentage, and his glove work at short has earned praise from several scouts. Although a shortstop by nature, Genao’s versatility lets him transition to third base or even second, providing the team with a flexible “utility” piece that can fill multiple gaps.

Beyond these three, the Guardians also have a promising catcher in Cooper Ingle and an athletic outfielder in Jaison Chourio, but their development timelines suggest they’re a few years away from regular MLB action.

Choosing which prospect to promote will hinge on a few factors: the health of the current roster, the specific defensive needs the club faces, and the player’s ability to adjust to big‑league pitching quickly. If Bazzana can translate his consistent contact into MLB success, he could become a reliable everyday at second base, freeing up a spot for a power bat like DeLauter. Conversely, if the team needs a defensive upgrade at shortstop, Genao’s glove and switch‑hit ability might give him the edge.

Fans should watch spring training closely; the Guardians are expected to hand out at least a handful of non‑roster invites to these prospects. Their performance there could seal the deal, turning one of these names into the next regular player on Cleveland’s roster.