Guardians Prospects Face Scrutiny, Shine in Early Season
Questions linger for top pick Bazzana, while Doughty shows starter potential.
Cleveland’s prized draft selection, **Travis Bazzana**, is facing early-career doubts as scouts and analysts weigh his current performance against his heralded draft-day upside. Meanwhile, pitcher **Braylon Doughty**, acquired using bonus pool flexibility, is rapidly ascending the organizational ladder.
Bazzana’s Swing and Defense Under the Microscope
The Australian-born second baseman, who went No. 1 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, has had a challenging start to his 2025 campaign. An oblique injury sidelined him for two months in Double-A, and upon return, he’s posted a .258/.361/.426 slash line. Observers note concerns about his ability to remain at second base and whether his steep, uphill swing can generate consistent power rather than pop-ups.
One scout noted the defensive struggles, stating, “His first step at second base is slow; his hands are fine, and he does get himself into the best position possible. However, I don’t see many middle infielders who are this heavy-footed.” Regarding his swing, the assessment was, “His swing is uphill, about as steep as anyone I’ve seen in the minors in the last few years, so he puts the ball in the air a ton—but it’s more pop-ups and flyballs than you want and not as many line drives.”
Despite these observations, **Bazzana** still controls the strike zone exceptionally well, chasing outside the zone only 10% of the time. There are glimpses of power against right-handed pitching, drawing comparisons to **Dustin Pedroia**’s early career, suggesting a precedent for overcoming similar perceived deficiencies.
Doughty Dominates with Low Pitch Counts
Right-hander **Braylon Doughty** is making a significant impression in Low-A. He recently pitched four no-hit innings on just 60 pitches for Lynchburg, showcasing a potent breaking ball and improving fastball command. His ability to consistently land his breaking ball for strikes and spin it away from right-handed hitters is a key asset.
Doughty’s outing was cut short despite not showing signs of fatigue, raising questions about the strategy of limiting pitch counts. This approach mirrors past organizational attempts with pitchers like **Grayson Rodriguez**, which did not prevent injuries. Many believe **Doughty**, with his swing-and-miss offering, should be stretched out to build stamina for a starting role.
Other Prospects Make Their Mark
Shortstop **Angel Genao** from Akron displayed impressive energy and athleticism. Despite missing time with a hand injury, the left-handed hitter delivered a hard-hit single and drew a walk, showing strong all-around skills. His arm strength and quick defensive movements suggest he can handle the shortstop position.
Catcher **Cooper Ingle**, batting second for Akron, demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing two walks. His short swing profile contributes to high contact rates, and he hits the ball with authority. While he still needs to prove himself against left-handed pitching, he projects as a future everyday or platoon catcher.
On the mound for Delmarva, fourth-round pick **Chase Allsup** threw 96-99 mph with a promising curveball, though control has been an issue with a 14.6% walk rate in pro ball. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three walks and three strikeouts. Fellow pitcher **Andy Fabian** also showed high velocity, reaching 95-96 mph with a sharp slider, but his delivery and control remain significant challenges.
