Guardians 2025 first-round pick LaViolette clubs first pro homer
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Jace LaViolette homers have officially arrived.
The Guardians’ No. 8 prospect -- who belted a school-record 68 homers over three seasons at Texas A&M -- delivered his first roundtripper as a pro in High-A Lake County’s 7-4 victory over Dayton on Sunday.
Following a walk issued to Jaison Chourio (CLE No. 11) and a single by Guardians 2025 second-rounder Dean Curley (CLE No. 13) to start the game, LaViolette dug in for a prime run-scoring opportunity against right-hander Nestor Lorant (Reds). He watched a high breaking ball for ball one and spit on a second for ball two. Lorant's next offering was a low fastball that made the count 3-0.
On the next pitch, the club's 2025 first-rounder (the 27th overall pick) exercised his green light and hammered a three-run laser onto the center-field berm at Day Air Ballpark. The long ball left the bat at 105 mph, according to the broadcast, and comfortably cleared the 402 foot sign.
The big fly marked the 6-foot-6 outfielder's fourth hit in the past three games after going hitless in his first three.
A Golden Spikes Award semifinalist as a sophomore in 2024, LaViolette -- once considered the top 2025 Draft prospect -- slid to Cleveland at the end of the first round after taking a step back as a junior and suffering a left-hand injury during the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
Even in what many considered a down season, the 22-year-old still managed a 1.003 OPS with 18 homers over 56 games for the Aggies. In six Spring Training at-bats with Cleveland, he collected three knocks, including a 106.9 mph, 425 foot homer.
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Cleveland is banking on LaViolette’s ability to get to his massive power, and if Sunday is any indication, that’s a chance worth taking.