Needing help offensively and in the rotation, four notable Cleveland Guardians prospects could still make an impact this season.
The Guardians have a five-game losing streak. Before this stretch, the team had not lost more than three games in a row. While the Guardians still lead the American League Central at 67-47, the Minnesota Twins now sit only 3 1/2 games back. The Guardians and Twins begin a four-game series on Friday that could be critical in the division race.
A glaring hole emerged in Cleveland’s offense during its recent struggles. Outside of Steven Kwan, the outfield has been abysmal offensively. Even with the recently acquired Lane Thomas, the Guardians need another threat against right-handed pitching. Their All-Star utility man, David Fry, has also struggled against right-handers as of late.
However, the Guardians have prospects in Triple-A that could potentially solve some of Cleveland’s offensive woes.
Guardians Prospects Who Can Still Make an Impact in 2024
1B Kyle Manzardo
A Top 100 prospect according to MLB.com, Kyle Manzardo started the season hot in Triple-A. He made his MLB debut in May but struggled in limited playing time. However, he continued to hit after being sent back down, slashing .274/.404/.561 with 15 home runs and a .965 OPS on the year. Even more important for the Guardians, against right-handed pitching Manzardo is slashing .279/.413/.588 with 12 home runs and a 1.001 OPS. His early struggles should not stop Cleveland from giving him another chance to prove he can be an impact hitter in this lineup. Platooning Manzardo with Fry as Cleveland’s designated hitter could be the perfect role for both players.
#Guardians 24yr old (1B) prospect Kyle Manzardo reached base 3x today (2-4 2B BB) for Columbus including just missing his 16th HR of the season having to settle for a double that traveled 358 feet and came off the bat at 104.6 mph.
Last two games:
4-8 2R 1(2B) 1HR 1RBI 2BB. 500… pic.twitter.com/RDPw3wRdJq
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 8, 2024
OF George Valera
Once a highly touted prospect for the Guardians, George Valera has lost some of his shine after numerous injuries slowed his career. However, Valera has been healthy this season and is currently slashing .293/.356/.519 with 10 home runs and a .875 OPS against right-handed pitching in Triple-A. According to FanGraphs, 2024 is Valera’s last option year. This is a perfect opportunity for Cleveland to figure out what Valera can do at the major league level. A platoon in right field with Thomas could give the Guardians lineup a boost.
INF/OF Juan Brito
The switch-hitting Juan Brito is currently slashing .250/.371/.436 with 15 home runs and an .807 OPS in Triple-A. He offers positional versatility for the Guardians, with the ability to play anywhere in the infield as well as corner outfield. Brito could be utilized in a utility role, getting consistent at-bats while playing all over the field.
As much as the Guardians lineup could use improvement, the team’s biggest weakness still lies in the starting rotation. While there are not any top pitching prospects knocking on the door, there is a pitcher having a very solid year in the minors who could possibly find his way into Cleveland’s rotation by the end of the season.
LHP Doug Nikhazy
After starting the year in Double-A, Doug Nikhazy was promoted to Triple-A in June. Since then, he has gone 4-1 in seven starts with 40 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA. While Nikhazy is not the most highly touted prospect, the Guardians are desperate for reliable starting pitching. If his Triple-A success continues, Nikhazy could find himself in Cleveland before the year is over.
Doug was dealing!#Guardians 24yr old LHP prospect Doug Nikhazy punched out eight St. Paul batters tonight over 5.2 scoreless innings for Columbus picking up the win.
Line – 5.2(IP) 3H 0R 0ER 2BB 8SO (83 Pitches 53 Strikes)
2024 – 85.0(IP) 55H 30R 30ER 34BB 89SO 3.18 ERA… pic.twitter.com/XofcQj2PKg
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 7, 2024
The Guardians need answers about the talent in its farm system, especially on Valera who will be out of options after this season. With the current holes on the big league roster, this is the time to find answers while also boosting the lineup for a postseason race.
Photo Credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
