2026 is the season of the prospects. <\/p>\n
At least, for the Cleveland Guardians it is. <\/p>\n
From the major league roster sporting polarizing outfielder Chase DeLauter, to the farm system showcasing players like former first overall pick Travis Bazzana, the Guardians have a lot to look forward to for the next couple of campaigns. <\/p>\n
And to begin the 2026 minor league campaign, guys are beginning to showcase just how talented the Guardians’ minor league system is. <\/p>\n
Recently, outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario left the yard with two home runs in one game, leading the Akron Rubberducks in moon shots<\/a> to begin the new campaign. Alongside him, infield prospect Ralphy Velazquez, who drew attention for his excellent play at the plate in spring training, also has a homer to begin the year. <\/p>\n Velazquez also currently has the best slashing line and highest OPS of any Rubberduck, with marks of .444\/.583\/.778 for an OPS of 1.361<\/a>. He’s been great at keeping a keen eye as well, drawing three walks with just two strikeouts. <\/p>\n With Rosario being just 21 years old and Velazquez only 20, it’s incredible to see how Cleveland’s youngsters shape the organization’s future at the big league level. <\/p>\n Rosario’s Potential Involvement<\/p>\n There isn’t another player on the Rubberducks who has more than one home run yet, making Rosario the No. 1 home run hitter in Double-A for the Guardians.<\/p>\n While that title will likely end up being dropped eventually, it’s a good sign for now that he’s starting to showcase a bit of power behind his bat. Across his four-year minor league career, he has a total of 41 doubles and 39 home runs. <\/p>\n In just a few years, Rosario will be on pace to make his major league debut, with 2028 or 2029 seemingly like the most favorable campaigns. The 21-year-old had an incredible 2025 season in the Cleveland Guardians’ minor league system,\u00a0slashing .251\/.345\/.461 for an OPS of .806\u00a0<\/a>and knocking 21 home runs. He had stops at High-A and Double-A, but no matter the level, he maintained consistency.<\/a><\/p>\n He has a cannon of a right arm, contributing to the notion that he can be a future right fielder for the big league roster. For now, though, he must continue to climb through the ranks of the minors, with his next stop in Triple-A expected to come by the end of the year. <\/p>\n Velazquez Has the Chance To Make a Big Jump<\/p>\n Out of the pair, Velazquez has the soonest timeline to getting a shot in the major leagues. <\/p>\n And the main reason is because how consistent he’s been in his power. <\/p>\n While his bat may waver every once in a while, he has shown a knack for belting the home run ball and getting on base in plus territory. Last season, across time in High-A and Double-A, he was able to knock 28 doubles, nine triples and 22 home runs<\/a>. That was good enough for 85 RBI and 77 runs scored, showing that he’s not just hitting to hit, but rather helping contribute to the scoring. <\/p>\n If he can keep up this pace up, his time in Double-A may be short.<\/p>\n