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**Right below is the Guardians Risers and Shiners list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Future Grades, Role, ETA, and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked on this list! Tons of 2021 Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and more enjoy!**
**These will exclude any 2022 draft picks due to the teams already being posted prior to the 2022 Draft**
| Rank | Player | Position | How Acquired |
| 1 | Tyler Freeman | SS | 2nd Round – 2017 Draft |
| 2 | George Valera | OF | International FA Signing 2017 |
| 3 | Daniel Espino | RHP | 1st round: 2019 Draft – 24th Overall |
| 4 | Gavin Williams | RHP | 1st round: 2021 Draft – 23rd Overall |
| 5 | Brayan Rocchio | 2B/SS | International FA Signing 2017 |
| Risers | |||
| 1 | Petey Halpin | OF | 3rd Round – 2020 Draft |
| 2 | Logan T. Allen | LHP | 2nd Round – 2020 Draft |
| 3 | Aaron Davenport | RHP | 6th Round – 2021 Draft |
| 4 | Isaiah Greene | OF | Trade with Mets |
| 5 | Jhonkensy Noel | 1B | International FA Signing 2017 |
1. Tyler Freeman SS | Columbus (AAA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 190 lbs. | ETA: 2022
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 60 | 45 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .323 | .372 | .470 | .842 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 9.1% | 2.1% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .146 | 130 | 6.2% | 47.9% | 28.2% | 23.9% | 41.4% | 24.4% | 34.5% |
Scouting Report:
The one concern you could have about Tyler Freeman’s hit tool is his career 4.3% BB%. The biggest reason why his walk rate is low is because he does an exceptional job using a toe tap, quick wrists, and a smooth swing path to make contact to the pull and opposite field. Plus, he barely swings and misses with a phenomenal 9.3% K%. He has not posted big time power numbers, but he does have occasional home run power. In time, if he can ‘master’ major league pitching, and hone in on driving the ball in the air more, there is potential to unlock some additional power, which would boost his value. Although, the Guardians should be excited about Freeman’s future as someone who could be a reliable fielder at shortstop, but also play 2B and 3B if needed, steal some bases, while capable of hitting at the top of a lineup, with exceptional offensive tools.
Written By: Patrick Joyce (@PJoyce29)
2. George Valera OF | Akron RubberDucks (AA)
21-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’0″ | 195 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .260 | .405 | .505 | .910 | 19 | 11 | 5 | 24.2% | 18.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .246 | 148 | 10.7% | 45.2% | 17.8% | 37.1% | 48.0% | 26.2% | 25.7% |
Scouting Report:
George Valera signed for 1.3 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2017. Valera is a very interesting player. He’s average or better across the board on tools and has the upside to grow beyond his projections but as of right now he looks like he could be a solid average hitter who could find more in his swing if he can add more to his launch angle. Valera plays a solid corner outfield with the ability to occasionally moonlight in center if necessary. All in all Cleveland you have an outfielder who won’t embarrass himself in any one category and be a solid everyday major leaguer as his floor and if he can tap more into his power game his upside could be of a middle of the order presence.
Written By: Jake Wood (@woodbat28)
3. Daniel Espino RHP | Akron RubberDucks (AA)
21-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 225 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| FB | CB | CH | SL | Control | Role |
| 70 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 91.2 | 20 | 20 | 3.73 | 1.12 | 40.5 | 10.4 | 0.88 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 20.2 | 2.82 | 42.7 | 21.9 | 35.4 | 41.2 | 24.7 | 34.1 |
Scouting Report:
Espino’s fastball climbed up to 100 and sat 94-99 throughout 2021. There’s some running life on the pitch and he’s able to pound the inside part of the plate with it. His curveball has some downward break, but needs more depth and spin to it. His slider is his best secondary offering and can make batters look silly with it. The biggest thing Espino needs to improve is the consistent break on his off-speed pitches. At times his curve shows above-average to plus potential, but lacks a lot of depth at other times. Espino repeats his mechanics well without much effort and has a deceptive arm action as he has shortened his arm path compared to what it was prior to the 2021 season.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Gavin Williams RHP | Akron RubberDucks (AA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’6″ | 255 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| FB | CB | CH | SL | Control | Role |
| 70 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 5 |
*No Stats for the 2021 Season*
Scouting Report:
Williams was the Guardians first round pick in 2021 and his stuff is unreal as he sits mid-90’s with fastball and touches 100 at times. His best secondary is a high-70’s curveball with plenty of late bite that he spots down regularly. He also displays a slider and changeup that both are quality pitches. Probably my favorite thing about Willliams is his presence on the mound. His confidence and bulldog mentality are more reasons why he’ll be a solid big league starter for a long time. Especially, when you think about the guardians ability to develop pitchers, Williams should blossom in Cleveland.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
5. Brayan Rocchio SS/2B | Columbus Clippers (AAA)
21-Years-Old | Bats: S | Throws: R | 5’10” | 170 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 60 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .277 | .346 | .460 | .807 | 15 | 21 | 10 | 21.6% | 6.7% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .184 | 120 | 11.6% | 41.1% | 21.8% | 37.2% | 44.6% | 27.4% | 28.0% |
Scouting Report:
Brayan Rocchio has blossomed since joining the Guardians organization as he’s arguably been one of the best infield prospects in the minors and he keeps getting better. While the Guardians have a special young crop of infield prospects, Rocchio might be the best of the crop but that’s just my personal opinion. He’s always had a knack for barreling up baseballs and hitting the ball hard. He’s got good gap- to-gap power and seriously developing overall power. Rocchio’s hit tool is easily plus and he’ll be a prominent infield prospect for a long time. One combination that will be extremely fun to watch is the defense up the middle from Andrés Giménez and Brayan Rocchio as both are solid with the glove. Guardians fans should be excited for Rocchio as he’s a promising young prospect.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
Risers:
1. Petey Halpin OF | Lake County Captains (A+)
20-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 185 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 55 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .294 | .363 | .425 | .789 | 1 | 11 | 9 | 20.3% | 8.5% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .131 | 117 | 10.0% | 41.5% | 26.8% | 31.7% | 35.7% | 29.8% | 34.5% |
Scouting Report:
There is a lot to like about Halpin’s future with the Guardians. He uses an open batting stance, smooth and simple swing path to hit the baseball to all parts of the field. While he might not be a big-time power hitter he is productive in the batter’s box with a .363 OBP. Also, because he has good contact-orientated skill sets, his 8.5% BB% and 20.3% K% should improve once he gains comfort and familiarity in the minor leagues. There is time for Halpin to mature and continue to grow physically, but he has the chance to hit at the top of a lineup, where his plus hit and speed tools would fit perfectly. He also shows off good athletic range and mobility in the outfield, with center field being a good future home for Halpin. The Guardians have been looking to solidify their outfield, and they may have found their future center fielder for years to come.
Written By: Patrick Joyce (@PJoyce29)
2. Logan T. Allen LHP | Columbus Clippers (AAA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: L | 6’0″ | 190 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| FB | CB | CH | Control | Role |
| 55 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 111.1 | 21 | 19 | 2.26 | 0.93 | 33.2% | 6.0% | 0.97 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 15.5% | 3.37 | 35.8% | 21.7% | 42.5% | 43.4% | 25.6% | 31.0% |
Scouting Report:
Not to be confused with the Logan Allen that’s already with the Cleveland Guardians, or the Logan Allen that’s in the Tampa Bay Rays system, Logan Taylor Allen is a pitching prospect in his own right. There’s a lot of deception in his delivery as he comes in at hitters from a low quarters arm slot. His changeup looks like his fastball and it’s a hard pitch to read coming out of his hand. Allen has a lot of spin on his pitches that can generate a lot of ground balls. He’ll keep up his strikeout numbers, but he’ll eat a lot of innings from his deception and ability to keep hitters off balance along with his consistent command of the strike zone of all corners.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
3. Aaron Davenport RHP | Lake County (A+)
21-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 185 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Control | Role |
| 50 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 55 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 16.2 | 7 | 6 | 3.24 | 1.08 | 38.8% | 14.9% | 1.08 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 17.0% | 3.55 | 52.0% | 12.0% | 36.0% | 36.0% | 28.0% | 36.0% |
Scouting Report:
While Aaron Davenport didn’t put up the flashiest numbers on the mound at the University of Hawaii, Cleveland grabbed him with their sixth round pick of the 2021 draft. His fastball has topped out at 94, and looks like an average pitch, but his off-speed pitches are his bread and butter. His curveball is a knee buckler that he can spot, while his slider can throw hitters off balance with sharp life to it. He’s a strike thrower who repeats his mechanics well and Davenport should find himself in Cleveland’s rotation in a few seasons.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Isaiah Greene OF | Lynchburg Hillcats (A)
20-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’1″ | 180 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 45 | 55 | 60 | 45 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .289 | .421 | .368 | .789 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 22.0% | 18.3% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .079 | 120 | 22.3% | 38.3% | 29.0% | 32.7% | 34.5% | 27.0% | 40.5% |
Scouting Report:
Isaiah Greene was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, but never played a game in their system after being included in the Lindor deal. Greene does a great job of taking his walks and will get on base at a high rate. He’s an aggressive runner on the base paths and should be a stolen base threat at the big-league level. He’ll also provide a lot of doubles and triples, but does lack homerun power, projecting for only 15-19 a season. There’s a lot to be excited about with Greene as he should provide plenty of runs for the Guardians with his eye and base running.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
5. Jhonkensy Noel 3B/OF | Akron Rubber Ducks (AA)
20-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 180 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 40 | 60 | 40 | 30 | 50 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .340 | .390 | .610 | 1.005 | 19 | 5 | 3 | 21.4% | 5.9% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .275 | 161 | 16.7% | 30.3% | 31.3% | 38.4% | 41.9% | 30.5% | 27.6% |
Scouting Report:
Jhonkensy Noel another signee of the 2017 international class for the Guardians has mammoth power. So far in 2022 Noel has slugged 28 home runs and 42 extra base hits overall. He seems to have solid contact skills but his ability to work a count is suspect at best and he seems as though he may struggle to find consistency at higher levels. Noel has enough arm to play 3rd base but his reaction and fielding ability suggests he may be more in line with future DH duties in Cleveland. If Noel can learn to work counts into more favorable opportunities to see fastballs he may wind up being better than expected but at current trajectory he appears to be the second coming of Chris Carter.
Written By: Jake Wood (@woodbat28)
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