Player News

• Guardians' Ralphy Velazquez: Jumps to High-A

  08/13/2024 • By RotoWire

  The Guardians promoted Velazquez from Single-A Lynchburg to High-A Lake County on Monday. Though the Guardians have seemingly closed the door on developing Velazquez as a catcher, the 19-year-old has cemented himself as one of the organization's top position prospects thanks to the slugging potential he brings as a first baseman. He put that power on display during his time with Lynchburg, notching 31 extra-base hits over 375 plate appearances while also keeping his strikeout rate (20 percent) in check. Velazquez will get a tougher test as he makes the move to the Midwest League, where he'll once again be one of the youngest hitters on the circuit.

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• Guardians' Ralphy Velazquez: Full-time first baseman

  05/07/2024 • By RotoWire

  Velazquez has started 21 games at first base and zero games at catcher thus far for Single-A Lynchburg. Velazquez was drafted with the 23rd overall pick last year as a bat-first catcher who might move to first base, and that transition has already taken place before his 19th birthday later this month. The lefty-hitting slugger may indeed offer the requisite offensive impact for first base, as he is slashing .264/.343/.505 with six home runs, a .242 ISO and a 20 percent strikeout rate in 105 plate appearances for the Hillcats as one of the youngest hitters in the Carolina League.

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