Realistic expectations for the Cleveland Guardians' youth movement

Will Brennan

Baseball Reference: 432 PA, .272/.318/.392, 22 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 13 SB, 23 BB, 66 SO

Steamer: 123 PA, .275/.323/.395, 7 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 3 SB, 7 BB, 18 SO

ZiPS: 497 PA, .268/.316/.379, 26 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 54 RBI, 12 SB, 28 BB, 68 SO

Deyvison De Los Santos

Baseball Reference: N/A

Steamer: 217 PA, .236/.276/.388, 9 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 1 SB, 10 BB, 59 SO

ZiPS: 526 PA, .230/.264/.367, 18 2B, 1 3B, 16 HR, 59 RBI, 2 SB, 59 BB, 164 SO

Kyle Manzardo

Baseball Reference: N/A

Steamer: 374 PA, .243/.330/.435, 18 2B, 1 3B, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 2 SB, 40 BB, 81 SO

ZiPS: 386 PA, .249/.334/.435, 21 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 50 RBI, 0 SB, 42 BB, 78 SO

We all need to remember these are just projections, but if they do end up being accurate the club should solve some long-standing positional questions.

That said, some of these projections are too juicy to ignore. The ZiPS projections for Rocchio, Florial, and De Los Santos are quite generous and assume all three receive nearly everyday playing time. So in those instances, maybe taking a look at their Steamer projections is sufficient and indicative of the playing time one would expect of each. Still, those projections are quite promising and should give fans something to keep an eye on this season.

Shortstop may be decided based on one of two factors: the coaching staff's preference and/or if power emerges from other sources, while the first base/DH pairings should see a huge boost and become an asset this year. However, questions remain in the outfield. Ultimately, one of the primary goals for this upcoming season should be to figure out what they have there moving forward.