This Rule 5 Draft protection could be Guardians' next switch-hitting cornerstone

The Cleveland Guardians' commitment to building from within was emphatically reaffirmed this week when they added Angel Genao to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

Genao is the perfect embodiment of what the Guardians' farm system seeks: a gritty, athletic, switch-hitting middle infielder who has gotten better at every level of the minors.

He's currently ranked as the team's No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, so his addition to the 40-man roster is not just a procedural move; it's a statement that he is the heir apparent to the Guardians' middle infield.

Genao, who signed for $1.18 million in 2021, was a well-kept secret for years thanks to his compact, advanced switch-hitting swing along with his ability to make consistent contact and play solid defense. His ability to handle the pressure of the big stage was evident early, having played for the Dominican Republic in the Little League World Series in 2017.

While a torn meniscus slowed his progress in 2023, Genao was healthy in 2024 and delievered a true breakout season. He was absolutely sensational at Single-A Lynchburg, hitting .341 with six home runs and 12 steals, which helped him earn a promotion to High-A Lake County.

Angel Genao could help the Guardians win in 2026

He finished his 2024 season between two A-levels with a spectacular .330 average, 38 doubles, 10 home runs, and 25 stolen bases, ranking fifth in the minors in hits and doubles.

He earned a call to Double-A Akron in 2025, where he showed a veteran’s eye at the plate despite the challenging level. While his .259 batting average doesn't jump off the page, there's more to that story.

Genao showed off a veteran eye at the plate at Double-A (29 walks compared to just 54 strikeouts) and still posted an on-base percentage of .323. Although the increase in stuff led to him getting out more, he showed that his talents and discipline can play at a higher minor league level.

He also continued to showcase strong arm, and quick hands that should allow him to stick at shortstop long-term, though he's versatile enough to handle second or third base. In many ways, Genao's profile is a high-upside mirror image of the scrappy, contact-first middle infielders the Guardians prize.

He is the kind of smart and tenacious talent who, like the Mets' top infield prospect Jett Williams, succeeds by maximizing every plate appearance rather than relying solely on raw power.

By protecting Genao from the Rule 5 Draft, the Guardians have secured their potential infielder of the future. The question is no longer if he will reach the majors, but rather when this determined, all-around talent will bring his relentless drive to Cleveland.