Realistic expectations for the Cleveland Guardians' youth movement

The Cleveland Guardians have committed to discovering what they have in-house, so what can fans truly expect from the young prospects this upcoming season?

Cleveland Guardians Photo Day
Cleveland Guardians Photo Day | Carmen Mandato/GettyImages
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We could go on and on about how it's been a disappointing offseason when it comes to free-agent signings, where there still remain a number of players available who could raise the floor of this club.

However, the counterpoint in that argument is the fact that the Cleveland Guardians will remain the youngest team in MLB for the third season in a row. And despite that, they still have questions as to who will become the shortstop, center fielder, and right fielder of the future.

With that in mind, let's take a look at this cast of candidates and see what various outlets project for their 2024 season.

Which Young Players Will Produce for the Guardians in 2024?

Gabriel Arias

Baseball Reference: 378 PA, .232/.306/.394, 17 2B, 1 3B, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 6 SB, 34 BB, 104 SO

Steamer: 310 PA, .240/.308/.402, 14 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 4 SB, 25 BB, 84 SO

ZiPS: 418 PA, .230/.289/.373, 17 2B, 1 3B, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 4 SB, 29 BB, 114 SO

Brayan Rocchio

Baseball Reference: 243 PA, .259/.321/.409, 13 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 4 SB, 19 BB, 54 SO

Steamer: 378 PA, .250/.318/.374, 19 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 7 SB, 31 BB, 66 SO

ZiPS: 602 PA, .249/.313/.368, 30 2B, 4 3B, 9 HR, 65 RBI, 14 SB, 44 BB, 110 SO

Note: Both Arias and Rocchio are expected to compete for the starting shortstop job this spring.

Estevan Florial

Baseball Reference: 239 PA, .243/.326/.386, 10 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 7 SB, 23 BB, 59 SO

Steamer: 251 PA, .226/.310/.385, 10 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 8 SB, 26 BB, 81 SO

ZiPS: 515 PA, .227/.305/.397, 24 2B, 3 3B, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 18 SB, 51 BB, 169 SO

Schedule