Angel Genao Checks Many Boxes For Guardians
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At any point along the continuum that is the Guardians’ seemingly endless stable of middle infield prospects, there invariably are a few who seem to check most—if not all—of the boxes.
One of the box-checkers is 6-foot, 165-pound shortstop Angel Genao, who shined brightly at two stops in 2024 and finished the season with High-A Lake County, the Minor League Team of the Year.
Signed by the Guardians out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, Genao wasted little time in announcing his arrival by slashing .322/.394/.416 in the Arizona Complex League in 2022.
Genao scuffled through an injury-plagued season at Low-A Lynchburg in 2023 before mastering the level at the outset of 2024. He continued to torment pitchers in the the Midwest League following his June promotion.
The switch-hitter slashed .330/.379/.499 with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 110 games between the two stops.
Genao, who turns 21 this season, also offers defensive versatility. Last season, he started 73 games at shortstop, 19 at second base and 13 at third base.
“His athleticism, quickness and change of direction project best at shortstop,” Guardians assistant GM James Harris said, “but he continues to develop arm strength and touch to play second and third.
“He has the speed to be a threat on the bases and is developing game awareness and decision-making to add to his toolbox.”
Genao’s power is starting to show as well. After hitting a combined nine home runs in his first three seasons, he hit 10 in 2024.
“Offensively, Angel is aggressive in the zone with an elite ability to make contact,” Harris said. “He is gaining strength with our strength and conditioning team and really connected with hitting coach Odomar Valdez to identify pitches that he can drive.”
