Comments: 1st overall pick who could be cornerstone player with all tools at disposal. Finished 2nd in NCAA in both OBP and SLG while owning professional approach. Uses entire field with repeatable swing and makes loud contact. Can reach seats consistently due to quick hands and natural strength. Not much of an arm and likely limited to 2B.

Development Path: After a solid pro debut in High-A, Bazzana would likely fare well with an aggressive assignment to Double-A. He needs more pro AB before the Guardians could use him and he'll also need reps at 2B. All signs point to a 2026 debut.

Fantasy Impact: Bazzana could be one of the top offensive 2B in baseball within short order as he can hit for BA/OBP, power and steal bases. There isn't much doubt about his ability to produce offensively and he could hit anywhere in the lineup.

Upside Grade: 9C

Comments: Tall, athletic OF with impact ability. Various injuries set him back in 2024. Can be middle-of-order run producer thanks to strike zone knowledge and plus bat speed. Exhibits above average raw power and has bat control to make good contact. Swing can get long at times. Runs very well but lower body injuries have hurt. Fits typical RF profile.

Development Path: Given he only had 142 AB in 2024, DeLauter is likely to begin 2025 in Triple-A. He could be among the early call-ups if he gets off to a solid start. There should be ample opporunity for him to contribute. If only he can stay on the field...

Fantasy Impact: Name a fantasy category and DeLauter will contribute; the question is how much. At peak, he could potentially hit .285+ with 30 HR and 15+ SB. That would make him an early round pick down the line.

Upside Grade: 8B

Comments: Big, strong 1B who got off to very hot start before promotion to High-A. Value tied to bat production. Very mature pitch recognition and makes consistent contact for profile. Swing geared toward hard line drives and should hit for BA and HR at peak. Not much speed in arsenal which limits range at 1B. Has seen action in LF for versatility.

Development Path: Velazquez is likely to return to High-A and he won't turn 20 until late May. He needs a lot of work with his defense as he formerly was a catcher and he lacks instincts. However, the bat has a chance to be special.

Fantasy Impact: He has a chance to be a middle-of-the-order run producer who can hit for BA, OBP and HR. Some see the possibility for 30 HR once he's fully matured. He has the bat to hit .280+ as well.

Upside Grade: 8C

Comments: Multi-talented OF who led CAR in OBP and org in SB in first full pro season. Campaign ended early due to broken wrist. Impressive array of tools highlighted by bat. Plate discipline is a staple and has exemplary barrel control for easy, hard contact. Has some power potential, though will need to add loft and strength. True CF with ample range.

Development Path: Chourio won't turn 20 until June and could be one of the more exciting prospects in High-A. Despite the success thus far, there is a lot to work on. He needs to add muscle and his CF defense could be enhanced with better reads and routes.

Fantasy Impact: He doesn't yet have the power to live up to a true 5-tool prospect but he could eventually get to 15-20 HR at peak. There is little doubt about his bat and speed and could be a standout fantasy contributor in BA, OBP and SB at the top of the lineup.

Upside Grade: 8C

Comments: Breakout prospect who set highs in HR and SB while hitting over .300 every month of season. Improved across board and was terrific at both A-ball levels. Rarely chases balls out of zone and brings high IQ to plate and field. Has limited pop potential but puts ball in play and legs out XBH. Can play both MIF spots with quickness and solid arm.

Development Path: Genao will turn 21 in May and could be challenged with an opening assignment to Double-A. He was very good on two levels and has the bat approach and intellect to accept a challenge. He has a chance to get to Cleveland by 2026.

Fantasy Impact: Other than power, Genao could contribute in any other category. His hit tool is as good as any in the system and he could hit over .300 on occasion. He is also a sound baserunner and could post seasons of 25+ SB.

Upside Grade: 7B

Comments: Young RHP who has impressive pitchability for age. Has room to grow into body but already throws with good arm speed and athleticism. Repeats simple, smooth delivery and able to command FB to both sides of plate. All pitches feature solid spin. CU shows flashes but can slow arm speed.

Development Path: Doughty is likely good enough to be assigned to Low-A, though he might start in Rookie ball to get acclimated to pro ball. He has a chance to move quickly for high school arms drafted in 2024.

Fantasy Impact: He may not have the frame for a #2 starter but he has the stuff and moxie to potentially get there. More than likely he could become a durable mid-rotation arm with moderately high K rates and low oppBA.

Upside Grade: 8D

Comments: Extremely patient hitter who set career high in HR while finishing 3rd in minors in doubles. Has very keen eye at plate to draw inordinate number of walks though can suffer from getting too deep into counts. Better hitter from right side and has mostly pull power. Defense and speed are both below average. Plays all INF spots and may be best at 1B.

Development Path: Brito spent all 2024 in Triple-A and figures to return to that level to begin 2025. He has the bat to play in the majors now though his approach could get exploited by pitchers with good command. He also needs to find a defensive home.

Fantasy Impact: There is little question about his ability to get on base and post very high OBP. The hit tool is OK but he likely will be a .250+ hitter. Brito is hitting for more pop than expected but he may have maxed out there.

Upside Grade: 7B

Comments: Natural hitting prospect who fared better in High-A than Low-A. Offers power and disciplined approach. Learning to tap into pop by pulling ball more, yet still has ability to use opposite field. Very strong against LHP (.342) and has feel for contact. Holes in swing need to be closed. Good 1B and owns average speed.

Development Path: Given the success in High-A, Kayfus would appear poised to be assigned to Double-A Akron. He'll play all season at 23 and it may be time to expedite his progress. He will still likely play both 1B and LF.

Fantasy Impact: Kayfus should be able to contribute in multiple categories, particularly BA, OBP and HR. He has 20+ HR upside and will have to reach that in order to stick as a big league 1B. He has the speed to get to 10 SB, but he doesn't run much.

Upside Grade: 8D

Comments: Natural-hitting INF with extreme feel for bat. Uses hands well in quick stroke to make consistent contact and use gaps. Hit over .300 at both R and Low-A while showing enough punch to get XBH. More power to come as he grows into smallish frame. Hits lot of GB and has 2nd lowest K rate in ACL. Good SS but likely to move to 2B.

Development Path: He is likely to return to Low-A where he had 117 AB in 2024. He will work on his swing to add more loft and leverage while he continues to grow. He could be a fast riser because of his advanced bat control.

Fantasy Impact: His power development will ultimately determine his fantasy upside but a high BA/OBP guy with 20+ SB would still be valued in any format. He's also a switch-hitter who hits LHP and RHP equally well, giving him full-time potential.

Upside Grade: 7C

Comments: Quick-armed, athletic SP with loads of potential. Features three fairly raw offerings but hard SL shows flashes of becoming double-plus pitch. Arm slot conducive to big break on SL and also adds to armside run with quick FB. Throws CU too hard and will need time to grow into body. Inconsistent delivery leads to command issues.

Development Path: The Guardians may decide to move their high school draftees from 2024 at the same pace. Oakie is the most raw but has potentially more upside. He is a candidate to spend all season in Rookie ball.

Fantasy Impact: Oakie could become a #2-3 type starter with size, strength, and athleticism. He has high strikeout upside but will need to keep an eye on his control in order to be valuable with WHIP and ERA.

Upside Grade: 8E

Comments: Elite arm who hasn't pitched since 2022. Missed 2023 after shoulder surgery and then 2024 after second operation. Has incredible velocity and stuff when on mound. Exceptional FB with plus life and ride and reaches 100+. Knockout, hard SL is as vicious as any breaker in system. Throws with little effort, though CU a tad too firm.

Development Path: There hasn't been news about his health or what 2025 might bring for Espino. It is very difficult to determine his timeline but if he can stay on the mound for the bulk of 2025, he could get to Cleveland by 2026.

Fantasy Impact: His impact is entirely dependent on his role. Given the major injuries, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him converted to a reliever at some point. He has the ceiling of a #2 starter or a dominant closer.

Upside Grade: 9E

Comments: On AAA to CLE shuttle and showed good skills in majors. Added few ticks of velocity and now has above average FB that is effective up in zone. Best pitch remains CH that features plus, late drop. Likes to use CH early in count to set up FB and tight SL. Struggles with walks and durability a concern.

Development Path: Cantillo will challenge for a starting rotation slot in spring training and he could even be leveraged as a long reliever. He has shown progress with his sequencing and he may return to Triple-A and await a starting job.

Fantasy Impact: There is little concern about his ability to miss bats and his command will ultimately determine his eventual role. He doesn't have closer stuff so it is likely either a back-end role or middle innings spot.

Upside Grade: 7B

Comments: Late-innings RP who pitched in MLB playoffs in first pro season. Posted highest K/9 in org due to aggressive use of FB. Pitches with fast arm and clean delivery. FB shows plus carry up in zone and is tough to barrel. Knocks out hitters with both FB and solid SL. Doesn't use CH much. Control comes and goes but not major concern.

Development Path: There is little doubt that Walters will challenge for a prominent role in the Guardians bullpen to begin the season. He didn't allow an earned run in 9 games prior to the playoffs. He could head to Triple-A to work on his command.

Fantasy Impact: Pitchers with his arm strength and tenacity often profile as closer and Walters has that kind of talent. It is a likely scenario for him to become a high-leverage RP who should get some save opportunities in due time.

Upside Grade: 7B

Comments: High-upside arm who has yet to establish durability or stamina. Has solid array of offerings and is aggressive within zone. Can overthrow with inconsistent arm slot. Sinking FB can be dynamic with riding action. Owns two breaking balls that flash plus and give hitters different looks. CH also shows potential. Led CAR in HR allowed.

Development Path: Humphries spent all season in Low-A and is likely to take the next step to High-A for 2025. The Guardians may decide to stretch him out as he only went past 5 innings once in 2024.

Fantasy Impact: He fits the profile of a mid-rotation starter but he has to improve his fastball command. If he does, he can be a high strikeout pitcher in the majors because of his ability to use two breaking balls.

Upside Grade: 8D

Comments: Hard-throwing RHP with solid ingredients to be dependable arm. Throws with lot of effort and will need to refine arm action for better command. More thrower than pitcher now. High spin rate FB is highlight and can pitch effectively up in zone. CH could eventually become best pitch due to sinking action.

Development Path: Sullivan will likely be in Rookie ball for 2025 as the Guardians work with him on his delivery and arm action. His development will take time but the payoff could be huge.

Fantasy Impact: Sullivan is among a slew of Guardians prospects with mid-rotation upside. He has high strikeout potential due to his fastball and slider. The development of his command will go a long way for him to add value as a starter.

Upside Grade: 8E