DETROIT -- While the Guardians’ big league roster full of rising talent continues to be a ton of fun to watch, there’s a lot of interesting things happening with Triple-A Columbus, too.
Add another reason to the list. On Monday, the Guardians announced they’ve promoted first baseman Ralphy Velazquez (ranked as Cleveland’s No. 3 prospect and No. 59 overall by MLB Pipeline) to Columbus from Double-A Akron.
A onetime catcher who was the Guardians’ first-round Draft pick in 2023, Velazquez has always been young for his level. That will remain the case with Columbus (he doesn’t turn 21 until May 28), but he showed us he was ready for this with a stellar start to the season with Akron.
In 36 games with the RubberDucks, Velazquez had a .317/.414/.566 slash line with nine doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 30 RBIs with 22 walks compared to 31 strikeouts. He went deep twice in his final game on Sunday, and in all picked up where he left off in 2025.
Velazquez slashed .330/.405/.589 in 28 games with Akron after his Aug. 11 promotion from High-A Lake County.
Velazquez has predominantly played first base in the Minors. He’s made 202 starts there, including 29 of his 36 this season. In an interesting wrinkle, Velazquez made two starts in left field with Akron, including in his final game on Sunday. He’s made 19 starts there in the Minors.
The Guardians value positional versatility and constantly tout it. With prospects, you never know where an opportunity may present itself. Given the presence of Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins at first base, Velazquez’s ability to play some outfield could be one avenue to reaching the Major Leagues -- perhaps as early as later this season.
The Guardians won’t rush him there. First, Velazquez will look to continue shining the way he has in his rise up the farm system.