Cleveland Guardians

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium

Track Record: Freeman opened the 2022 season in Akron and played his way to the big leagues, debuting in August. He had a slow start in Cleveland, however, and did not make the playoff roster. Still, it was a solid year, as Freeman came back from a shoulder injury that cost him the second half of 2021.

Scouting Report: Freeman stands out most for his hittability and excellent feel for the barrel. He has a very aggressive approach at the plate and rarely walks as a result, but when he swings, he makes contact. While his pure hit tool is excellent, how much impact he'll provide offensively remains a question. His six home runs at Triple-A Columbus were a career high in just 72 games, but he otherwise struggled to produce power against upper-level pitchers. A return to his pre-surgery 2021 form when a third of his hits went for extra bases would be a big boost. Freeman was drafted as a shortstop and has primarily played there as a professional, but his average speed and arm strength limit his range and many evaluators question whether he's a long-term fit at the position. He played shortstop, second and third base in the big leagues and he could still settle at any of the three positions. A move off shortstop, however, would put more pressure on his bat and, especially, his power.

The Future: Freeman will be 23 on Opening Day and will go to spring training competing for a spot on the roster. The Guardians have a very crowded middle infield, however, especially following strong 2022 seasons from Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez. Freeman has perhaps the best offensive potential of the group, but his defense is not as advanced and in breaking the logjam, Cleveland will have to decide what it values more. His versatility could help him carve out a role in Cleveland in the immediate future, while in the long run it will be up to his bat to earn him a full-time role.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 20. Speed: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium

Track Record: Arias was one of the top prospects in the 2016 international signing class and the Venezuelan native signed with the Padres. Early in his professional career, he stood out for his glove, but after an offensive breakout in 2019, his profile rose. He was traded to Cleveland in 2020 as a part of the deal for Mike Clevinger and Greg Allen. He made his major league debut in 2022, but his season was sidetracked by a broken hand that required surgery in May, costing him several weeks on the injured list.

Scouting Report: Arias is a good athlete with a lot of raw ability. The righthanded hitter has a smooth swing and his wiry strength and bat speed give him above-average power. He has a very aggressive approach at the plate, but he's been able to keep his strikeout rate in check in the upper levels of the minor leagues. Arias is never going to be an on-base machine, but he's made important strides since coming to the organization. Defensively, there have never been many questions about Arias. He has advanced infield actions, clean hands and above-average arm strength. Despite his below-average speed, he has plenty of range for the position and can make all the plays necessary.

The Future: The play of Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, in addition to Arias' injury, meant he was unable to break into the lineup in 2022. But the organization is approaching a critical juncture with its current infield logjam. Rosario is only under contract for one more season and Arias and Tyler Freeman have already logged significant time at Triple-A, with Brayan Rocchio close behind them. Arias is ready for a chance to prove himself in the big leagues, though finding that opportunity in Cleveland may not be easy.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Campbell arrived at Oklahoma State as a two-way player and while he made an immediate impact in both roles, he developed into the Cowboys' ace. He was an All-American in 2021 as a two-way player before focusing solely on pitching in 2022 and ranking seventh nationally in strikeouts (141).

Scouting Report: Listed at 6-foot-7, 219 pounds, Campbell has a long frame and has a loose, easy delivery. His fastball sits in the low 90s and reaches 95 mph with life up in the zone. He throws both a curveball and a slider. He can throw the curveball for a strike or as a chase pitch, while his slider works to keep righthanded hitters off balance. His changeup is perhaps his best pitch, earning plus grades thanks to its life and deception. He pitches with solid control and can throw strikes with all his offerings.

The Future: Campbell did not pitch after signing and is advanced enough to make his professional debut in 2023 with high Class A Lake County. He has the look of a back-of-the-rotation starter for now, but with the Guardians' developmental track record, a tick up in stuff and ceiling could be coming for Campbell.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Cleveland's 2017 international class has developed into a blockbuster. Outfielder George Valera and shortstop Brayan Rocchio have been the headliners of this group, but Tena, a nephew of Juan Uribe, isn't far behind. He finished an impressive 2021 with the Arizona Fall League batting title (.387) and continued to hit in 2022, reaching Triple-A Columbus as a 21-year-old.

Scouting Report: Tena has a smaller frame that belies his ability. He has a loose, easy swing and good feel for the barrel which allows him to consistently square up balls. He's an aggressive hitter who doesn't walk much and struck out in 25.1% of his plate appearances, a rate he'll have to manage while advancing toward the major leagues. He's an above-average runner and as he's physically matured has developed solid power potential. Tena has an above-average arm, good hands and solid range thanks to his speed and athleticism. He mostly has played shortstop as a professional, but also has seen time at second and third base.

The Future: Tena is a part of the growing legion of talented middle infielders in the organization. His defensive versatility is an asset and could help him break through the crowd, but he'll likely start 2023 back in Columbus.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Fox went strongly against the grain of the rest of the Guardians' 2021 draft class both as a position player and as a prep player. In both categories, he was one of just two players the club selected in their 21 picks. He's taken off in pro ball, first impressing in the Arizona Complex League after signing and then following that up with a solid season with low Class A Lynchburg as a 19-year-old.

Scouting Report: While Fox was an unusual pick for Cleveland in the context of the rest of its 2021 draft class, he has a familiar offensive profile for the organization. He has an unorthodox setup at the plate but has a loose, easy swing and has a patient approach. He has a hit-over-power profile but has gotten stronger since getting into pro ball and he could grow into more. He's a plus runner and uses his speed well on the bases, where he is a threat to steal. Fox was drafted as a shortstop but was always unlikely to stay there because of his fringy arm strength. He primarily played second base in 2022 and his hands and infield actions are good enough to stay there, but he also played center field about a third of the time. His speed fits there and he will continue to develop at both positions.

The Future: Fox is off to a strong start to his professional career and his hittability and speed give him a pair of standout tools. He'll advance to high Class A Lake County for 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 40. Speed: 60. Fielding: 50. Arm: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Brito was an unheralded signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2018 by the Rockies. He's come on strong in the years since and made his full-season debut in 2022. In November he was traded to the Guardians in exchange for Nolan Jones and immediately was added to the 40-man roster.

Scouting Report: Brito fits in well with Cleveland's cadre of young middle infielders. He is a disciplined, patient hitter with good bat-to-ball skills. He has walked more than he's struck out over his professional career and in 2022 had just a 22% chase rate. While he has a contact-oriented approach, the switch-hitter has at least fringy power potential. He showed off doubles power with low Class A Fresno and ranked fourth in the California League with 29 doubles. His swing has natural lift to it and as he gets stronger, he should grow into more pop. He's an average runner and is aggressive on the base paths. Brito has primarily played second base as a professional and his average athleticism makes him a solid defender at the position. The Guardians believe he has the arm strength and range to see time on the left side of the infield as well, but his long-term position still projects to be second base.

The Future: Brito will make his organizational debut as a 21-year-old and he'll likely head to high Class A Lake County. His addition to the 40-man roster means that his developmental timeline is now facing a harder clock, but he gives the Guardians yet another high-upside middle infielder in their system.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Morris missed his freshman season at South Carolina due to Tommy John surgery before bouncing back to have a solid college career. Morris has continued to deal with injuries in pro ball, including a shoulder strain that cost him the first half of 2022, and has thrown just 171.1 innings in the minor leagues. However, when he's been healthy he's been impressive and he made his major league debut in September and was a part of the Guardians' playoff roster.

Scouting Report: Morris has a strong build and a powerful arm. His fastball reaches the upper 90s and sat at 95 mph in 2022. He mixes in a changeup, a sharp curveball and a cutter, which he added to his arsenal in 2021. His changeup is above-average and both his cutter has quickly become a crucial pitch, accounting for about a third of his pitches. He pitches with average control, but when he's at his best, he shows even better command.

The Future: Injuries have been Morris' greatest obstacle as a professional and he hasn't had a full season since 2019. Despite that, he's gotten to the big leagues and shown he can have success at the level. He has the stuff to start, but as a 26-year-old who's never thrown more than 90 innings in a season (including college), a role in the bullpen may be where Morris fits best. He'll have a chance to start 2023 back with the Guardians.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 45. Cutter: 50. Changeup: 45. Control: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after his fastball sat in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and were able to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo rewarded that belief with a breakout 2019 season where he led the organization with 144 strikeouts. He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger. An oblique injury limited him to just 13 innings in 2021, but he made a strong impression with Double-A Akron in 2022 before a shoulder injury at the end of July ended his season.

Scouting Report: Cantillo long had a projectable look and his velocity had ticked up a bit while still with the Padres. But he made a bigger move during the offseason and his fastball averaged 92 mph in 2022. Between the added velocity, the angle he throws from and the carry he gets on his fastball, the pitch has become an above-average offering capable of getting swings and misses. His changeup remains a plus pitch and generates swings and misses as well. He throws both a curveball and a slider, with the slider the more advanced of his breaking balls. He pitches with average control.

The Future: While injuries have slowed Cantillo in each of the last two seasons, the Guardians were still encouraged enough by his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November. With a fully healthy 2023, he could pitch his way to Cleveland. Breaking into the Guardians' rotation is no easy task, but Cantillo has the tools to be a big league starter if he can maintain his velocity gains.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Messick starred at Florida State, where he was the Seminoles' ace for two seasons. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference pitcher of the year in 2021 and an All-American in 2022, piling up 270 strikeouts over 188.2 innings. The Guardians made him the 54th overall pick of the draft.

Scouting Report: Listed at 6-foot, 225 pounds, Messick has a short, stocky build. That belies his athleticism--he even showed some two-way ability in college--and he repeats his energetic delivery well, giving him above-average control. His pure stuff is not overpowering, as his fastball sits in the low 90s and touches 95 mph. He throws from a low release point, which helps him get swings and misses on his fastball at the top of the strike zone. His tumbling changeup is his best pitch and gives him a strong weapon against righthanded hitters. He throws two breaking balls, with his short slider ahead of his curveball. He comes right after hitters and his feel for the game helps his entire arsenal play up.

The Future: Messick is advanced enough to make his professional debut in 2023 with high Class A Lake County and be a quick mover. His solid, but unspectacular stuff makes him a potential back-of-the-rotation starter down the line, but with Cleveland's developmental track record, an eventual tick up for both his stuff and ceiling would be no surprise.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Curveball: 50. Slider: 50. Changeup: 55. Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High

Track Record: Another member of Cleveland's banner 2017 international class, Noel signed on his 16th birthday and debuted the following year in the Dominican Summer League. After a strong 2021 season that ended with high Class A Lake County, he was added to the 40-man roster. He continued his aggressive progress in 2022, when he hit 32 home runs to lead all Guardians minor leaguers and reach Triple-A Columbus.

Scouting Report: Noel has a big, strong frame and produces tremendous bat speed and raw power. He regularly records elite exit velocities and doesn't have to sell out to get to his premium power. He's an aggressive hitter and struck out in 27% of his plate appearances in 2022, though that rate was actually better in Double-A Akron (22.7) than in Lake County (31.7). Noel primarily played the outfield in 2022 after previously being primarily a third baseman. His below-average range means that third base is not his long-term future and he's still learning the outfield.

The Future: Noel's raw power is tantalizing, and he could be a middle-of-the-order hitter. But as a right-right slugger who will play in a corner, there's a lot riding on his bat and he'll have to continue to develop as an overall hitter. He'll return to Columbus in 2023 and with the Guardians always looking for power, he could soon find his way to Cleveland.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 70. Speed: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High

Track Record: Rodriguez was the No. 8 prospect in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland's signing class that year. He has moved swiftly, reaching high Class A Lake County as a 20-year-old in 2022, and has been among the youngest players at his level every step of the way.

Scouting Report: Rodriguez has a solid all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. He projects for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to consistently employ the power-packed swing he demonstrates at times. He cut way down on his strikeouts in 2022, and struck out in just 19.9% of his plate appearances, while also increasing his walk rate to 9.4%, a positive sign who has often been praised for his approach at the plate. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and primarily has played third base over the last two years. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he's likely to settle there.

The Future: Rodriguez made encouraging progress in 2022, even while continuing to be one of the youngest players in his league. He'll look in 2023 to build on that momentum as he advances to Double-A Akron.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Curry in 2017 became the first true freshman to be Georgia Tech's Opening Day starter since 1995. He was a stalwart in the Yellow Jackets' rotation before being drafted by Cleveland. He broke out in 2021, rising through three levels to reach Double-A. He continued that progress in 2022 and made his major league debut in August.

Scouting Report: Curry has an undersized frame and doesn't have overpowering stuff. His fastball sits around 93 mph and reaches the mid 90s, but it plays up thanks to its shape and spin rate. He locates the pitch well and can generate swings and misses with it. He relies heavily on his fastball, but also mixes in two breaking balls and a changeup. His slider has above-average potential and is his best secondary offering. Curry has always thrown a lot of strikes, but upper-level hitters tested his control more than previous opponents.

The Future: Curry's profile in Cleveland's pitching ranks has risen precipitously since the start of the 2021 season. His style meshes well with the Guardians' approach and his stuff fits a starter's profile. Breaking into Cleveland's rotation remains difficult, however, and Curry will have to continue to prove himself. He'll start 2023 with Triple-A Columbus.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 45. Control: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Genao was Cleveland's top signing in the 2021 international market. He made his professional debut the following year in the Dominican Summer League and then made his U.S. debut in 2022. He followed an aggressive path, earning a promotion to low Class A Lynchburg at the end of the season as a 19-year-old.

Scouting Report: Genao is a switch-hitter with an advanced, disciplined approach at the plate. He walked more than he struck out in the DSL (39 walks, 29 strikeouts) and while that ratio didn't carry over stateside, his barrel control and swing decisions still belie his age. His profile has always been hit over power and his 6-foot, 165-pound frame doesn't suggest much more power on the way, but he does have some pop, especially as a righthanded hitter. Genao is a savvy defender with all the tools to stay at shortstop. His infield actions, hands and plus arm strength all play well at the position.

The Future: Genao so far has lived up to his pre-signing billing and has put himself on an accelerated track. He joins the Guardians' burgeoning group of young shortstops and has significant promise, though he's still a long way from realizing it. He'll still be 19 on Opening Day as he returns to Lynchburg to begin the difficult task of his first year in full-season ball.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 40. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Palacios had a decorated college career at Towson, where he became the fastest player in program history to reach 200 hits and set the program's single-season and career stolen base records. His professional career got off to a strong start in 2018 but he tore the labrum in his right shoulder that offseason and had season-ending surgery in March 2019. He's gotten back on track since getting healthy and made his major league debut in April 2022.

Scouting Report: Palacios has a good feel for the barrel and produces excellent bat speed. He has good plate discipline, knows how to work a walk and rarely strikes out. He has average power, which plays as doubles pop to this point. He's a good athlete with above-average speed. Where Palacios fits best defensively has long been a question. In Cleveland, he primarily played left field, which was a switch from the minor leagues, where he has mostly been a second baseman. His hands work on the infield, while his speed plays well in the outfield.

The Future: Having reached the major leagues, the challenge now for Palacios is to carve out a consistent role. It'll be up to his bat to make him a regular, but his speed, versatility and lefthanded swing all give him the tools to win a utility spot.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Guardians have pushed Halpin aggressively since drafting him 95th overall in 2020. He was 19 years old on Opening Day 2022 and spent the season with high Class A Lake County, where he was one of the youngest players in the Midwest League.

Scouting Report: Halpin has a top-of-the-order profile and a well-rounded skill set. He controls the strike zone well and makes adjustments quickly which helps him to make a lot of contact. His swing is geared toward hitting line drives and he's not a slugger, but he drives the ball into gaps often. The combination of that hard contact and his above-average speed makes for a lot of extra-base hits. He's still learning to make the most of his speed on the bases, but he is a threat to run. Halpin has good outfield actions and an average arm. If he can stay in center field--where he's primarily played as a professional--he'd profile well. If he ends up in a corner, it would put more pressure on his bat.

The Future: Halpin has shown exciting offensive upside and has quickly found his stride in the professional ranks. He'll likely start 2023 with Double-A Akron.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 40. Speed: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Gaddis became the highest drafted player out of Georgia State when Cleveland picked him in the fifth round in 2019. After a solid start to his professional career, he broke through in 2022 and made his major league debut in August.

Scouting Report: Gaddis first stands out for his size at 6-foot-5, 202 pounds and he also has solid stuff. His fastball averages about 94 mph with rising action. While it's ticked up as high as 97 mph in short stints, he hasn't shown that velocity as a starter. His changeup is his best pitch and earns plus grades. It is a very slow offering, about 15 mph slower than his fastball, and it is a swing-and-miss offering. He also throws a slider, but it lags behind his other two pitches and doesn't miss many bats. He pitches with average control.

The Future: Gaddis struggled in two big league starts, where he gave up seven home runs in 7.1 innings. That experience exposed some things he has to work on if he is to develop into a starter for the Guardians. Refining his breaking ball is a must, as he needs a third quality offering. His fastball/changeup combination would likely play up in the bullpen, however. Gaddis will likely open 2023 back at Triple-A Columbus to continue that development.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 45. Changeup: 60. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Nikhazy built a long track record for success at Mississippi. He earned Freshman All-America honors in 2019, pitched for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team and was named a first-team All-American in 2021. His polish helped him hit the ground running in pro ball, as he debuted with high Class A Lake County and ended the season with Double-A Akron.

Scouting Report: Nikhazy has a slight frame and isn't overpowering but is an elite competitor. His fastball gets up to 94-95 mph, but typically sits around 90. It plays up thanks to his over-the-top arm slot and riding life on the pitch. He throws both a big, looping curveball and a slider that has late, biting action--both of which can be plus pitches. He also has a promising changeup. He pitched with above-average control in college only to struggle with strike throwing in his professional debut. Shoring that up will be critical to his success.

The Future: Nikhazy had no trouble missing bats and his early success in the minor leagues is no surprise. An extended run in Double-A, which he'll get in 2023, will be more telling for his future. He'll have to show more consistency to succeed against better opposition.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Boyd was an extremely productive player at Oregon State. He led the Beavers in batting average and on-base percentage as he hit .373/.490/.577. Despite that impressive season, many scouts were skeptical about Boyd's offensive impact with wood bat because of his modest power, which is why he slid the supplemental second round.

Scouting Report: Boyd has played second base in the past, and there are evaluators who believe his best long-term role will be as a multi-positional utilityman who can play second, all three outfield spots and maybe a little third base as well. For now, he's a center fielder with an above-average run tool. He looked comfortable in games in center with the Reds after primarily playing right field as a Beaver. As a hitter, he's an above-average hitter who looks to hit for average and get on base. He can drop a bunt also and he's an adept basestealer.

The Future: Boyd is the type of low-ceiling, high floor productive college player who sometimes exceeds expectations. His power potential seems modest, but he does everything else well.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 30. Field: 55. Run: 55. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: A prominent player in high school who was the highest-rated player from the class of 2017 to make it to college, Burns stepped right into the rotation at Auburn. Cleveland in 2020 drafted him 36th overall, at the time the highest the organization had drafted a college pitcher since 2010. He spent 2022 at Double-A Akron, though he missed nearly all of May due to a shoulder strain.

Scouting Report: Burns has solid all-around stuff and a good understanding of pitching. His fastball sits 93-94 mph and reaches 97. It's a plus pitch that plays up thanks to his ability to consistently locate it. He throws both a big, 12-to-6 curveball and a slider/cutter hybrid that sits around 90 mph. His curveball has long been the better of his two breaking balls, but he has worked to reshape his slider and it is now a solid offering itself. He also mixes in a changeup with sinking action, but it lags behind his other pitches. He earns praise for his dedication to his craft and makeup.

The Future: Burns is a bit undersized, doesn't have the biggest pure stuff and has been banged up in each of the last two seasons. His aptitude and track record hint at further upside potential. He'll start 2023 with Triple-A Columbus.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 55. Slider: 50. Changeup: 45. Control: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Lavastida was an infielder coming out of high school and began to convert to catching as a sophomore in junior college. Cleveland drafted him as a catcher in the 15th round in 2018 and continued to develop him behind the plate. He also impressed offensively, breaking out in 2021 to earn a spot on the 40-man roster. He made his major league debut in 2022, starting the year in Cleveland as the backup due to an injury to Luke Maile. He returned to Triple-A Columbus at the end of April and stayed there until late June when he suffered a hamstring injury, went on the injured list and then was sent to Double-A Akron for two months before returning to Columbus.

Scouting Report: Lavastida has a balanced swing and a good approach at the plate which allows him to control the strike zone well. He makes a lot of contact and has average raw power, though his line-drive oriented swing means he has more modest home run totals. Lavastida is a good athlete, moves well behind the plate and has average arm strength. He quickly picked up the mechanical aspects of catching and is continuing to progress with the finer points, like pitch calling.

The Future: Lavastida had a clear arrow up following the 2021 season. Now, coming off a more challenging season, especially offensively, it appears his future as a backup catcher is clearer. The Guardians are ready to proceed with Bo Naylor as their future backstop, but the 24-year-old Lavastida still has potential as a big leaguer if he's able to get back on track at the plate.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.