Once A Strength, Cleveland Guardians Now Lack Middle Infield Depth

Forbes

a day ago

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 18: Andrés Giménez #0 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on after the New ... More York Yankees defeated the Guardians in Game 4 of the ALCS presented by loanDepot at Progressive Field on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
It wasn't long ago, when the Cleveland Guardians organization had a wealth of well regarded middle infield prospects.
The quality depth of highly ranked middle infielders in the Guardians development program has dwindled.
The Guardians were always careful to give their prospects enough development time to best prepare for the major leagues. Be that with Cleveland, or with another club.
This old scout has always stated that the talent gap between Triple-A and the big leagues is as wide as the grand canyon.
That is particularly true for prospect pitchers.
And because MLB pitchers are so advanced in their pitching skills, many prospects falter when given a chance with the parent club.
Consider the number of Cleveland Indians/Cleveland Guardians prospects that are now playing elsewhere in Major League Baseball, or are out of professional baseball altogether.
Each of the middle infielders noted below was part of the Indians/Guardians MLB.com Top 30 prospects, from 2020 until today.
In those a short years, the following young prospects are gone from the Cleveland organization:
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 04: Tyler Freeman #2 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with teammates after ... More scoring a run against the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning of the game at loanDepot park on June 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by)
Tyler Freeman-drafted by the Indians, and traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2025
Jose Tena-signed as an international free agent by the Indians in 2017, and traded to the Washington Nationals in 2024.
Ernie Clement-drafted by the Indians in 2017, selected off waivers by the Athletics in 2022, and signed by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023
Carson Tucker-out of baseball (a 2020 Cleveland Indians 1st round draft pick)
Owen Miller-drafted by the San Diego Padres, traded to Cleveland, and then traded by Cleveland to the Milwaukee Brewers. Now in the Rockies organization.
Richie Palacios-drafted by the Indians in 2018, and traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024.
The list does not include Amed Rosario, and Andres Gimenez, both traded to Cleveland from the New York Mets in 2021. Both are gone from the organization.
Rosario was traded by Cleveland to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. After being granted free agency, Rosario signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, granted free agency, and then signed with the Washington Nationals in 2025.
Gimenez was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2024.
EASTLAKE, OHIO - JULY 31, 2024: Travis Bazzana #37 of the Lake County Captains celebrates hitting a ... More grand slam home run during the fifth inning against the Beloit Sky Carp at Classic Auto Group Park on July 31, 2024 in Eastlake, Ohio. This is the continuation of the July 30 game which was suspended due to inclement weather. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Guardians have young middle infielders in development, but many are still a year, or more away from graduation to the big leagues. Those players include:
-Travis Bazzana-2024 1st overall draft pick, now dealing with an oblique injury
-Angel Genao-a terrific defensive player, Genao in still at Double-A Akron
-Welbyn Francisca-a good hitter, with little power, Francisca is still in Class-A
-Juan Brito-a solid hitter with some power, Brito is currently injured at Triple-A Columbus
-Gabriel Rodriguez-a young prospect in Rookie Ball.
Bryan Rocchio began this season as the Guardians starting shortstop. He didn't hit well, had some defensive hiccups at shortstop, and was optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Rocchio likely remains a candidate to return to the parent club at some point this season.
GOODYEAR, AZ - FEBRUARY 22: Juan Brito #74 of the Cleveland Guardians poses for a photo during the ... More Cleveland Guardians Photo Day at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday, February 22, 2024 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
There is little question Cleveland misses the defense of Andres Gimenez, who is now playing solid second base, but not hitting well at Toronto.
It seems likely Bazzana is the second baseman of the future. If he hits. If he plays solid defense.
A superb defender, Gabriel Arias has claimed the shortstop role, supplanting Rocchio. For now. How much will Arias hit? Can the Guardians continue to handle his inconsistency on offense?
Brito may win a role with the Guardians in the future. But with Bazzana likely at second, where does Brito play?
Genao might be as good, or better than Arias at shortstop. Will he hit?
Lots of Cleveland middle infielders have walked out the door.
Now, the team has to determine which players in their organization fit in their immediate, and long-range future.
Middle infielders, once a deep strength of the Guardians, have now been reduced in number.
Time will tell how the Guardians manage their infield in the coming months and years.