Guardians make aggressive promotion around former top draft pick (but his biggest flaw is still there) 

Last year, the Guardians front office was ecstatic when Jace LaViolette fell into their laps with the No. 27 pick in the MLB Draft. 

Although LaViolette didn’t play any affiliated games last season as he recovered from hand surgery, it seemed like this year was going to be the breakout season for the slugging outfielder. 

And it’s… kind of been? While this season has featured plenty of jaw-dropped homers from LaViolette, there’s also been a lot of strikeouts. So many strikeouts. 

But even if those struggles have diminished some of the hype around LaViolette, the Guardians seem to have seen enough they liked, as they promoted LaViolette to Double-A Akron this weekend after 83 games at High-A Lake County. 

It’s a bit of a bittersweet promotion. While it’s obviously exciting that he’s a step closer to the big leagues, it's still a bit deflating considering it’s coming at a time when he’s struggled at High-A. 

Jace LaViolette's strikeout problems could impact when it makes it to Guardians

Let's start with the good. Along with having 19 home runs, LaViolette has posted a .809 OPS in those 83 games. The Guardians drafted LaViolette for his power output, and he hasn’t disappointed thus far. 

But you can’t talk about that power output without talking about his strikeouts. LaViolette’s already racked up 147 strikeouts this season (38% strikeout rate) and it’s hard to believe that number is going to go down against better pitching in Double-A. 

He also started his big league career with a brutal 0-for-13 start before getting his first hit. 

While the Guardians would obviously take that strikeout trade off if it means that he finally solves their outfield power problem, it was starting to get to a point where it was taking away from his ceiling. 

That likely played a part in why LaViolette wasn’t a part of the team’s first prospect promotion on July 13. LaViolette has posted an .839 OPS in the 14 games since, albeit with 27 strikeouts. 

Even if the 2025 Draft doesn’t have the same kind of star power as the 2023 and ‘24 drafts, LaViolette still stands out as a boom-or-bust pick who was a surprising selection for the Guardians. 

Although Marlins outfielder Cam Cannarella is the only top prospect from that draft class to make it to Triple-A, there are plenty of other players from the class who could make their debut early next season (if not sooner). It’s hard to imagine LaViolette making his debut on that same timeline unless he’s able to figure out his strikeout issues. 

But even if those flaws still exist, it’s still exciting to see him get a level closer to the big leagues. 

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