Realistic expectations for the Cleveland Guardians' youth movement

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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

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.

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