The Cleveland Guardians farm system is the heart and soul of the franchise. Key draft picks and international signings shape the future for the organization. This season top prospects such as Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter have been promoted to the majors. This leaves a talented group of players waiting to hear the call up to the big leagues. Let’s dive into how they are performing this season, and what to expect moving forward.
2026 Stats (AA/AAA): .252 AVG, 4 HR, 12 RBI, .86OPS
Angel Genao has recently been promoted from Akron (AA) to Columbus (AAA). This season he has put on display his switch-hitting skills with raw power from the right side. After a meniscus tear in 2023, Genao has worked his way back and is becoming a complete middle infielder.
This season for Genao should be another developmental year, but if the bat really heats up, he could hear his big league call-up. He is a hitting machine who has been atop the minor leagues in doubles the past couple of seasons. The next step for Genao, is developing some pop in his bat and being a 12-15 home run player. 2024 was a monster season for him with a slash line of .330/.379/.499 combining for a .878 on base plus slugging percentage. This shows the potential Genao has when healthy.
At still 21 years old, Genao has plenty of time in AAA to figure it out and become the future shortstop of the Guardians. Expect consistent production in Columbus throughout the 2026 season.
2026 Stats (AA): .318 AVG, 4 HR, 22 RBI, .950 OPS
One of the fastest risers throughout the Cleveland organization has been Ralphy Velasquez. Nothing about his game is complex; he has raw power and a natural feel as a hitter. Drafted as a catcher, the organization has transitioned him into a primary first baseman with outfield potential. At 20 years old, Velasquez is crushing AA pitching with a .938 OPS and .5o5 SLG.
As hot a start as Velasquez has gotten off to, AA should be his home for a while. There is no reason to rush his development at such a young age. Especially when the major league club is still trying to develop Kyle Manzardo for the foreseeable future. Velasquez will get his opportunity eventually, but for now, his job is to continue crushing AA, making him one step closer to Columbus (AAA).
Velasquez is an exciting player to keep an eye on as he progresses through the minor leagues.
2026 Stats (AAA): .408 AVG, 5HR, 19 RBI, 1.352 OPS
Cooper Ingle is one of the best catching prospects in baseball and is tearing it up in AAA this season. Cleveland recently made a trade to acquire Patrick Bailey, raising the question of what Ingle’s future is. With his productivity at the plate, he will absolutely get his opportunity to be the everyday catcher for the big league club. This season, he’s dealt with an injury during April, but is back and ready to continue his hot streak at the plate.
The Guardians have had one of the worst catching situations for years now. Bo Naylor in three seasons has never figured it out at the plate, and Austin Hedges is more of a clubhouse guy and backup. Ingle when ready, should be the future of the catcher position for this organization.
The statistics and metrics have been off the charts for Ingle this season. He has a batting average over .400, an OPS over 1.000, while being a disciplined player at the plate. As Ingle continues to crush AAA, expect him to make his major league debut at some point this season.
2026 Stats (AA): 6 GS, 27.2 IP, 2.93 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Stephen comes into this season as Cleveland’s top pitching prospect. He joined the organization last year during the trade deadline, after Shane Bieber was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Guardians think highly of Stephen and wanted to draft him before Toronto selected him. Starting the season in AA has been a fairly successful season. With an earned run average under 3.00 and a 1.30 walks and hits per innings pitched, Cleveland knows Stephen will be a future starter someday.
At 6’4, Stephen has a deep pitch arsenal that features an effective fastball with velocity upwards of 96 mph. The slider has had its ups and downs, but offers a high whiff rate at 38%. As he continues to develop, he should progress through the minor leagues at a fast pace. The Guardians have an impressive pitching staff with top-end starters, but eventually could use Stephen’s assistance.
Considering how well Cleveland develops pitchers, Stephen is projected as the next man in line to be a quality starter at the MLB level.
2026 Stats (A): .193 AVG, 5 HR, 12 RBI, .720 OPS
The Guardian’s most recent Round One selection has started his professional career in high A. The former Aggie was a massive home run hitter throughout his college career. Cleveland’s farm system could use power, and the 6’6 lefty is exactly that. LaViolette has had an up-and-down season, striking out at a frequent rate with only five home runs. At Texas A&M in 2025, LaViolette also struggled and fell towards the end of Round One because of it. He has changed some things from a mechanical standpoint, hoping to rebound his career and get back on track.
At 22 years old, you would like to see LaViolette progress to AA and even get close to AAA this season, but the bat has to improve to get promoted. As an athlete, the speed and agility could also improve with a bigger frame limiting him in the field and on the bases. The potential and upside is there for LaViolette, he just has to find it again like he did in 2024.
The Guardians farm system is immensely talented with quality infielders, outfielders, and pitchers. Some players close to making their major league debuts, while others just trying to find it. The major league club has been through a gauntlet of a schedule, but remains in first place in their division. This organization has a lot working for them currently, and a bright future with top prospects throughout the minor leagues.
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