The Dynasty Prospect Preview series rolls on to Cleveland. This team’s farm system is brimming with intriguing talent for fantasy baseball managers, from recent first-round bats to high-upside wild cards. Below, we profile the Top 15 Guardians prospects, grouped into tiers and focusing on their carrying tools, fantasy roles, risk factors, and realistic ETAs. As with my previous team previews, I emphasize long-term ceiling slightly more than immediate proximity.

 

Top Cleveland Guardians Prospects

 

The Top Tier

These are the elite prospects in Cleveland’s system, the potential cornerstone players who combine upside with enough polish to dream on significant fantasy impact.

 

Travis Bazzana – 21 Y/O, 2B

MiLB Stats (2025): .245 AVG | .389 OBP | .424 SLG | 9 HR | 12 SB | 24.3% K | 17.6% BB

Bazzana was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, and he’s quickly validating that status. Despite an oblique injury that limited him to 374 plate appearances, the Aussie showed his trademark advanced plate skills by slashing .245/.389/.424 with nine homers and 12 steals across Double-A and Triple-A. Bazzana’s carrying tool is his hit tool. He generates above-average contact and rarely chases out of the zone thanks to an excellent eye. That selective, line drive approach should yield a solid batting average (with even more value in OBP leagues), and plenty of runs scored.

While he doesn’t have one standout offensive skill, he does everything well. He offers sneaky pop from a compact lefty swing, plus speed on the bases, and a consistent knack for getting on base. In standard 5×5 roto, that translates to a balanced contributor. Think .270 or better, 15 or more homers, and 15 to 20 steals at peak, with steady runs as a top of the order type.

The main question is how much impact Bazzana will provide in the counting stats. At 5’9″ and 170 lbs, he is not built for huge power, but he proved in college and early pro ball that he can drive the ball when he turns on it. Cleveland has even mused about his athleticism being capable of center field work, though he’s played exclusively second base so far. His glove is steady if unspectacular, which is good enough to stick at 2B.

Risk is relatively low here. Bazzana is a polished college bat with a high floor. The oblique issues in 2025 are worth monitoring, but assuming health, he’s on track to debut by mid 2026 and could seize Cleveland’s everyday second base job soon after. Long term, Bazzana profiles as a safe top of the lineup hitter who contributes across all five categories, with OBP as a bonus. He may not carry elite power or elite speed upside, but his combination of hitting prowess and efficiency on the bases gives him occasional All-Star upside and a very high likelihood of being a solid fantasy asset.

 

Chase DeLauter – 24 Y/O, OF

MiLB Stats (2025): .264 AVG | .379 OBP | .473 SLG | 7 HR | 1 SB | 15.8% K | 15.8% BB

DeLauter offers one of the highest fantasy ceilings in this system, an enticing blend of power, plate discipline, and size (6’4″, 235 lbs). The issue is the extreme risk created by his injury history. Drafted 16th overall in 2022, DeLauter has been every bit the player advertised when on the field. The problem is staying on the field. He’s logged only 138 games in three pro seasons, dealing with recurring foot injuries and undergoing bilateral core muscle surgery and wrist surgery in 2025.

When he did play in 2025 (brief stints in rehab and Double-A), DeLauter produced, showing roughly a .280 average with more walks than strikeouts in about 149 plate appearances. His swing is compact with excellent barrel control and natural loft, allowing him to hit for both average and power when healthy. He posts some of the best batted ball metrics in the Guardians system, with a strong 90th percentile exit velocity and plus contact rates. His combination of selective approach and plus raw power gives him a real chance to be a middle-of-the-order bat who can hit .270 or better with 25 to 30 homers at maturity.

For fantasy managers, the key is health. DeLauter’s lengthy injury log has slowed his defensive development and stolen valuable reps. The upside is an impact bat who could slot into Cleveland’s outfield and drive in plenty of runs, but he is an extreme variance prospect. On the bases, he’s more average than his listed speed suggests, and repeated lower-body injuries have capped his steal totals, so do not expect more than a handful of steals.

Defensively, DeLauter might end up in right field. He is a fringe center fielder but above average in a corner with a strong arm. ETA is 2026. In fact, he moved quickly enough that the Guardians gave him a surprise MLB debut in the 2025 postseason. If his body cooperates, he could be forcing his way into Cleveland’s lineup by the second half of 2026. This is a classic high-upside, high-risk dynasty asset. The carrying tools are special, but you are betting on availability.

 

Ralphy Velazquez – 20 Y/O, 1B

MiLB Stats (2025): .265 AVG | .342 OBP | .497 SLG | 22 HR | 0 SB | 19.1% K | 9.6% BB

Velazquez might be the heir apparent at first base in Cleveland, boasting some of the best raw power in the org. The 2023 first-round pick (23rd overall) made aggressive developmental strides in 2025, jumping to High-A and finishing the year in Double-A as a 20-year-old. He slashed .265/.342/.497 across 122 games with 22 homers, 28 doubles, and 85 RBI. Not many teenagers handle the upper minors that well.

At 6’3″ and 240 lbs, he’s a physical left-handed slugger with tremendous raw power. The swing is surprisingly smooth and compact for a big man, and he’s tightened up his body composition and launch decisions to tap into that power more consistently. The fantasy appeal is clear. Velazquez has 30-plus homer potential in his prime, with the kind of strength to eventually be a 100 RBI force in the middle of a lineup.

What’s encouraging is that he is not just a one-dimensional brute. He pairs aggressiveness with a solid feel for the zone and decent bat-to-ball skills for a power hitter. In 2025, he was hyper-aggressive on pitches in the zone while keeping chase in a manageable range. If those blossoming contact skills hold, Velazquez’s offensive upside could rival anyone in the system.

The risk comes from the profile. He was drafted as a catcher but has been moved off that spot entirely, so his value is tied to the bat. He is a below-average runner (do not expect steals). That puts pressure on the hit tool to be more than playable. The good news is his second-half surge in 2025, including strong Double-A production, indicates he’s trending up and answering those questions. ETA is likely late 2026 or 2027, with Cleveland giving him a full year in the high minors to refine. In dynasty, Velazquez is a high upside power bat to invest in, with a non-zero chance of becoming a .270, 30-homer anchor at 1B.

 

Prospects Dynasty Managers Should Know

This tier includes prospects 4 through 15. They might not all be future stars, but each offers something intriguing for 5×5 fantasy leagues, whether that is a broad base skill set or one carrying tool that can drive value.

 

Khal Stephen – 23 Y/O, RHP

MiLB Stats (2025): 103.0 IP | 2.53 ERA | 27.1% K | 4.9% BB

Stephen emerged in 2025 as one of the organization’s most promising arms, rising from High-A to Double-A and drawing buzz as a near MLB-ready starter. Acquired in the Shane Bieber trade, Stephen dominated in his pro debut season: 103 innings of 2.53 ERA ball, striking out 27% and walking under 5%.

He’s an athletic 6-foot-4 right-hander with a prototype starter’s frame and above-average control, which he uses to pound the zone with a deep mix of pitches. Stephen’s arsenal is extensive. He features a 93 to 96 mph four-seam fastball with excellent ride and extension, plus a mid-80s slider, a mid-80s splitter, an upper-80s cutter, and a slower curve. The fastball is the headliner, and the slider and cutter can miss bats when located.

Fantasy-wise, Stephen’s profile screams high floor more than high ceiling. He does not have the pure stuff of an ace, but his combination of strike throwing and pitch mix points to a likely No. 4 starter outcome, with a chance at more if a secondary pitch ticks up. His risk is moderate. He missed a few weeks in 2025 with a minor shoulder issue, and he still needs to prove durability over a full season in the upper minors. If healthy, he could see the majors by late 2026. In dynasty, he profiles as a steady SP4 type who can help ratios with workable strikeouts.

 

Juneiker Caceres – 18 Y/O, OF

MiLB Stats (2025): .270 AVG | .379 OBP | .410 SLG | 4 HR | 7 SB | 12.1% K | 12.4% BB

Caceres is one of the youngest names on this list, but dynasty managers need to know him. Signed out of Venezuela in January 2024, he dominated the DSL at 17, then jumped stateside in 2025 and held his own against older competition. Between the complex and Low-A, he hit .270/.379/.410 with 18 doubles, four homers, and seven steals over 70 games.

The surface stats do not scream future star, but the underlying traits are exciting for an 18-year-old. Caceres is a left-handed hitter with a mature approach and real raw power potential. He posted strong exit velocity markers for his age and paired that with an elite contact profile. Few teenage prospects show that combination of bat-to-ball skill and strength. He also rarely expands the zone, leading to a healthy walk rate.

There are years of development ahead. Much of his hardest contact came on the ground in 2025, so learning to elevate more consistently could unlock game power. He is only an average runner, so speed likely is not a major part of his fantasy value long term. Defensively, he played all three outfield spots and probably settles into a corner profile as he fills out. The risk is high simply due to the distance from the majors. He likely opens 2026 in Low-A again, and there will be growing pains. Still, the plate skills are advanced enough that he could explode onto Top 100 lists if the power output follows.

 

Angel Genao – 21 Y/O, SS

MiLB Stats (2025): .263 AVG | .332 OBP | .382 SLG | 5 HR | 6 SB |15.5% K |9.4% BB

Genao is a switch-hitting infielder who offers one of the most complete skill sets in the system, even if he lacks a loud carrying fantasy tool. After a breakout 2024, injuries muddied 2025. He played only 69 games in Double-A, slashing .263/.332/.382 with five homers and six steals.

The calling card is a contact. Genao has a compact swing from both sides and makes a ton of contact, which gives him a clear path to a big league role. It is easy to picture a solid batting average outcome. He is also an above-average runner with the instincts to swipe double-digit bags.

The question is impact. Genao has some strength and raw power, but his in-game power is capped by a lower launch approach. Unless he makes swing decisions that create more loft, he might peak in the 12 to 18 home run range. That makes him more of a steady middle infielder than a fantasy star, but those players still matter, especially if they hit for average and chip in steals. Defensively, he has the tools to stick at shortstop, with the flexibility to move to second or third if needed. Risk is moderate. The injury cooled some enthusiasm, but the floor is relatively high because the contact ability is real. He likely starts 2026 in Triple-A and could reach Cleveland by late 2026.

 

C.J. Kayfus – 24 Y/O, 1B/OF

MiLB Stats (2025): .300 AVG | .390 OBP | .539 SLG | 14 HR | 4 SB | 25.2% K | 11.9% BB

Kayfus was a third-round pick in 2023 known for a polished bat, and he moved fast enough to make his MLB debut in August 2025. Before the call-up, he torched Double-A and Triple-A with a .300/.390/.539 line and 14 homers in 86 games. Fantasy-wise, he profiles as a hitter who can help batting average while modestly contributing across the board.

The concern is how the bat plays against top-shelf pitching. His brief MLB look came with an elevated strikeout rate, and some reports note below-average bat speed versus premium fastballs. The encouraging piece is that he adjusted as the season went along, which suggests he can learn on the fly. Defensively, he can cover first and a corner outfield spot, so the path to at-bats exists. In dynasty, Kayfus is close enough to matter now. The risk is a tweener outcome if the strikeouts spike or the power backs up, but the track record gives him a chance to carve out a real role.

 

Parker Messick – 25 Y/O, LHP

MiLB Stats (2025): 98.2 IP | 3.47 ERA | 29.1% K | 10.3% BB

Messick is not flashy, but he is already knocking on the door and profiles as a steady back-end starter who can quietly help a fantasy staff. A 2022 second-round pick out of Florida State, he had a solid Triple-A season and then impressed in a small MLB sample.

The scouting report is consistent. Messick is a pitchability lefty with deception, command, and one true weapon, a devastating changeup that misses bats versus right-handed hitters. He sets it up with a low-90s four-seamer that plays up because of the angle and ride. He has improved the slider enough to keep lefties honest, and he mixes enough pitches to keep hitters guessing.

For fantasy, this is a low-risk, modest-reward starter. He can help ERA and WHIP if the command holds, with strikeouts that should be fine but not elite. The primary question is whether big league hitters adjust after seeing him multiple times, because he is not overpowering. The ETA is essentially now, and he looks like a good bet to open 2026 in Cleveland’s rotation.

 

Braylon Doughty – 20 Y/O, RHP

MiLB Stats (2025): 85.1 IP | 3.48 ERA | 27.3% K | 6.4% BB

Doughty was Cleveland’s competitive balance pick in 2024 (36th overall), and his first full pro season showed why. In Low-A, he posted a 3.48 ERA as a teenager while missing bats and limiting walks. That is a strong foundation.

He is an athletic right-hander who repeats the delivery well and fills the zone. He works off a low to mid-90s fastball that can touch the upper 90s, and he mixes both a four-seamer and a two-seamer. The money pitch is the curveball. It flashes as a true bat miss weapon, and he can land it for strikes. The changeup is developing, and Cleveland could add a distinct slider look as he climbs.

Fantasy-wise, he has a blend of floor and upside that plays in dynasty. The risk is typical for young pitchers: development, health, and whether the arsenal plays the same against more advanced hitters. ETA is likely 2028, so patience is required. If the third pitch develops, there is real mid-rotation fantasy upside.

 

Jace LaViolette – 22 Y/O, OF

MiLB Stats: no pro data yet (2025 draftee)

LaViolette is a pure upside play. He is a massive outfielder with huge raw power, plus speed for his size, and enough athleticism that Cleveland will give him a shot in center early. If it all clicks, there is 30 homer upside with double-digit steals, a rare combo.

The swing factor is contact. In college, the strikeouts were part of the profile, and evaluators noted below-average contact ability. That leaves a wide range of outcomes. If he gets to even an average hit tool, the power and patience can carry a middle-of-the-order fantasy outcome. If the contact lags, he could stall in the upper minors. He did not play after signing due to a broken hand, so 2026 will be the first real pro look. ETA is 2027 or 2028, with volatility baked in.

 

Jaison Chourio – 20 Y/O, OF

MiLB Stats (2025): .237 AVG | .379 OBP | .286 SLG | 2 HR | 10 SB | 22.9% K | 18.4% BB

Chourio had a rough 2025 at High-A, hitting for little impact while posting big walk totals. A shoulder injury likely played a role and may have sapped power. The plate discipline remains the selling point. He sees pitches, rarely chases, and can post strong OBPs even when the average dips.

For fantasy, he projects as a moderate power, moderate speed outfielder, not the monster his older brother is, but potentially useful. If healthy, the key is whether the extra base power returns. Without more impact, pitchers may challenge him in the zone. With a rebound, he could be a runs and steals contributor with enough pop to matter. He likely starts 2026 back in High-A or Double-A, with a late 2026 to 2027 ETA.

 

Cooper Ingle – 23 Y/O, C

MiLB Stats (2025): .273 AVG | .391 OBP | .441 SLG | 9 HR | 17.4% K | 16.1% BB

Ingle is one of the best pure approach hitters among catching prospects. He gets on base, draws walks, and keeps strikeouts in check. The profile suggests a catcher who can help with batting average, and in OBP formats, he could be even more valuable.

The downside is power and defensive certainty. He is not a big physical power bat, so the homer ceiling may sit around 8 to 12 in a full season. If the glove settles as merely workable, he might be a timeshare catcher rather than a true full-time starter, which would limit volume. In standard 5×5, the OBP strength does not score directly, so the fantasy value depends on how many at-bats he earns. ETA is 2026, and he is worth monitoring in two-catcher and deeper formats.

 

Welbyn Francisca – 19 Y/O, SS/2B

MiLB Stats (2025): .229 AVG | .320 OBP | .302 SLG | 3 HR | 45 SB

Francisca’s 2025 line tells the story. The speed is real, and the stolen base totals pop. The impact is not there yet. He did not drive the ball consistently, and there were reports of reduced exit velocities, possibly tied to injury and approach decisions.

For dynasty managers, the carrying tool is speed. If he reaches base enough, he can be a category changer. The big question is whether he adds strength and creates enough damage to avoid being a singles-only hitter. Defensively, he should stick somewhere in the middle infield, which helps the path. Risk is high because of age and offensive uncertainty. ETA is 2027 or 2028, with outcomes ranging from a speedy utility type to an everyday second baseman who steals a lot of bags.

 

Daniel Espino – 24 Y/O, RHP 

MiLB Stats (2025): 13.0 IP across rehab and AFL

Espino was once one of the nastiest pitching prospects in the sport, with top-shelf velocity and a wipeout slider. The last few years have been a brutal injury run that robbed him of development time. He returned late in 2025 in limited action, and recent looks still showed big velocity.

For fantasy, Espino is the ultimate boom or bust stash. The upside is still loud if he can stay healthy and regain command. The realistic path may include a bullpen role at first, which could still be fantasy relevant in ratios and strikeouts. The risk is obvious: years of rust, major surgeries, and no guarantee that the full starter package returns. Treat any contribution as found money, but keep an eye on spring 2026 reports for velocity and strike throwing.

 

Dean Curley – 21 Y/O, 3B

MiLB Stats: no pro data yet (2025 draftee)

Curley brings a more polished offensive foundation than most recent draftees. He has a big league frame and strength, a patient approach, and the potential for 19 to 25 homers in his prime if the hit tool holds. He is likely headed to third base full-time, where the arm fits, and the bat profile makes more sense.

The main questions are defensive fit and how the bat handles pro breaking stuff. He faced strong competition in the SEC, which helps the projection, and he could move quickly if he hits right away in 2026. ETA is 2027, with a chance at a late 2026 cameo if everything accelerates.

 

The Next Five

These prospects round out the Guardians’ Top 20 and are worth tracking in deeper dynasty leagues.

Joey Oakie, 19 Y/O, RHP: A high upside arm with premium velocity and a sharp slider, plus significant command risk.

Juan Brito, 24 Y/O, 2B: A hit first baseman whose 2025 was lost to injuries and whose opportunity may depend on roster churn.

Josh Hartle, 23 Y/O, LHP: A large-framed lefty with command and a deep mix, likely a high probability back-end starter type.

Kahlil Watson, 22 Y/O, OF: A post hype athlete with power and speed tools who still needs the hit tool to stabilize.

Nolan Schubart, 21 Y/O, OF/1B: Huge raw power with real contact questions and a bat only risk profile.