Guardians fans are about to get a glimpse of another top prospect's true potential

The Cleveland Guardians have jumped out to a big lead in the American League Central thanks to some strong play from some of the rookies on their roster. 

But just because they’re getting production from young players in the big leagues doesn’t mean that there still aren't intriguing players in the minors. 

Perhaps the most intriguing player in the minors right now is first baseman Ralphy Velazquez, who was recently promoted to Triple-A after tearing it up with Double-A Akron. 

Ralphy Velazquez is now just one step away from MLB debut

Velazquez’s promotion is another example of the Guardians’ new-found aggressiveness with their minor leaguers.

They got a jump start on that last season by promoting Chase DeLauter for the postseason before adding Travis Bazzana to their big league roster along with promoting Angel Genao and Cooper Ingle to Triple-A. 

But the 20-year-old Velazquez is the youngest of that group and arguably has the highest ceiling. The left-handed slugger opened some eyes in the spring by hitting .313 in 10 games in camp before hitting .317 with seven home runs and 30 RBI in 36 games at Double-A before his promotion. 

But his defensive development may be the thing that helps him get to the big leagues sooner rather than later. After being drafted as a catcher, the Guardians wasted no time moving Velazquez to first base. 

And with Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins entrenched at first base, the Guardians have started to test Velazquez out in the outfield (he made two appearances in left field at Akron before being called up to Columbus). 

While there’s something to be said for the Guardians trying to turn every position player prospect into an outfielder (call it the CJ Kayfus effect), adding left field to his repertoire is an obvious bonus that could help him in the short-term. 

Hoskins is only on a one-year contract, which could leave a roster spot ripe for Velazquez’s taking after the season (even if he wouldn’t be a perfect fit next to the left-handed Manzardo). 

But this promotion opens up a scenario where he could be a part of the Guardians’ call-ups when rosters expand in September and get the occasional start at first base or designated hitter. 

He’s also now just one call away should anything happen to Hoskins or Manzardo. 

Velazquez’s promotion also gives the Guardians a stacked Triple-A roster that consists of three top 100 prospects in Velazquez, Genao and Ingle. 

Ingle opened the season at Triple-A and has currently has a video game slashline of .355/.524/.671 while Genao has hit .321 in 13 games at Triple-A since his promotion. 

The Guardians went from having an extremely underwhelming position player group last season to having a strong, young big league roster along with a minor league system filled with plenty of MLB-ready prospects. And Velazquez may be the best of that group. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow