Cleveland Guardians News

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Travis Bazzana • 2B • Guardians

Travis Bazzana a High-Floor Contributor to Target on the Waiver Wire

Across 333 plate appearances so far this season, Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana has hit .241/.339/.399 with nine home runs, 33 RBI, 35 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. The 23-year-old has not gotten too much power in his first taste of big-league action this year, as he's logged a 4.1% barrel rate and a 35.0% hard-hit rate. However, Bazzana has shown an impressive plate approach for a young player, logging a 12% walk rate while posting a manageable 21.6% strikeout rate. Bazzana's ability to get on base keeps his place at the top of the Guardians' everyday lineup stable, and he's on pace to rack up 20-plus stolen bases. Bazzana may not offer tremendous upside for fantasy managers, but he's proven himself to be a balanced contributor who should be a priority waiver wire target in deeper league formats.

18 hours ago

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Strikes Out Double-Digit Batters in Fourth Straight Start

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams is having a breakout season and has been as dominant as ever of late. Williams allowed two earned runs on three hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out a season-high 12 batters in seven innings in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in the second game of a doubleheader. He was hit with his sixth loss of the 2026 season, but it was also Williams' fourth straight start with double-digit strikeouts. The 27-year-old has fanned 45 and walked just two in 27 innings with a 3.00 ERA and 0.63 WHIP during his four-game dominant stretch of late. Williams now has a 3.71 ERA on the year and will be a must-start in all fantasy formats for his next scheduled start against the New York Mets. Not only is Williams missing more bats than ever before in 2026, but he's also showing better command, and he has walked two or fewer batters in four straight starts as well. There is no pitcher more dominant right now than Williams in the month of July. On the season, he has struck out double-digit batters seven times.

Yesterday

Ralphy Velazquez • 1B • Guardians

Ralphy Velazquez's Triple-A Production Slowing in July

Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez is an ideal fantasy prospect due to his 60-grade power and 50-grade hit tool. Between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, Velazquez has had a nice age-21 season, but he has slowed down a bit statistically at Columbus in July. In 53 July at-bats, Velazquez is hitting .208 with two homers, eight RBI, and a .333 on-base percentage. All in all, between Double and Triple-A this season, Velazquez has 11 homers and 48 RBI while hitting .282 with 45 runs scored and a .378 on-base percentage. The left-handed hitting first baseman/outfielder was a former first-round pick by the Guardians in 2023, but might be looking at finishing this season in the minors. A premium dynasty prospect, Velazquez might be looking at 2027 as his time for a big league debut.

4 days ago

Angel Genao • 3B • Guardians

Angel Genao Continues to Impress During Red-Hot July Stretch

Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao is tearing up the International League at Triple-A Columbus during the month of July with a .426 batting average, two homers, nine RBI, and 12 runs scored. The No. 2 prospect in the Guardians' system, Genao has split time this year between Double-A Akron and Columbus with a combined .296 batting average and 11 homers with 44 RBI and 60 runs scored. With Travis Bazzana manning second base at the major league level and with Brayan Rocchio at shortstop, Genao is blocked a bit by talent at the major league level, but he continues to produce at Triple-A. He is looking like a nice addition even in shallow leagues as he is likely to make his big league debut at some point this season. When he does, his 60-grade hit tool should make him a mainstay in fantasy lineups down the stretch.

5 days ago

Parker Messick • SP • Guardians

Parker Messick a Must-Start Pitcher Amidst Breakout Campaign

Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick has been one of the breakout success stories of the 2026 season so far. Across 117 2/3 innings (20 starts), the 25-year-old has recorded an 8-5 record with a 2.68 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts. Messick has been particularly effective so far in July, allowing one earned run or fewer in all three of his starts this month. With an average fastball velocity of 93.9 miles per hour and a 24.8% strikeout rate, Messick may not have true fantasy SP1 upside. However, he does an excellent job of limiting hard contact. Opposing batters have posted just a 5.4% barrel rate against Messick, and he's allowed 0.84 HR/9. The young left-hander may be in for some slight regression in the second half of the season, but he profiles as a clear must-start pitcher for fantasy managers going forward.

5 days ago

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Strikes Out 11 in Third Straight Start on Thursday

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams stayed dominant in a no-decision in the team's 3-1 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Twins on Thursday at Progressive Field. Williams tossed seven shutout innings with two hits allowed, no walks, and 11 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 3.78. The 26-year-old has taken a step forward in 2026, and he has now fanned exactly 11 hitters in three straight starts and for the fifth time this year. Williams even had a rare immaculate inning in this one for a cherry on top. In his fourth year in the majors, Williams now has a strong 1.10 WHIP with 156 strikeouts and 37 walks in his 21 starts across 126 1/3 innings pitched. The former 23rd overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft from East Carolina University has morphed into a must-start this year because of his dominance and improved walk rate. Fantasy managers should be keeping him in their lineups for his next scheduled start against the Cincinnati Reds next week. Williams faced the Reds at home on May 17 and picked up a win by allowing two earned runs with no walks and seven strikeouts in six innings.

6 days ago

Brayan Rocchio • SS • Guardians

Brayan Rocchio's Hot Streak has Put him on the Waiver Map

Cleveland Guardians middle infielder Brayan Rocchio has been heating up at the plate this summer. The 25-year-old Venezuelan went 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Twins to extend his hitting streak to five games. During his five-game streak, he's gone 7-for-22 (.318) with a homer, a double, four RBI, and three runs scored. Extending back to June 18, Rocchio has slashed .296/.319/.452 with four home runs, six doubles, 16 RBI, and 14 runs scored in a stretch of 29 games. He has hit .299 (20-for-67) with an .826 OPS, four home runs, two doubles, 14 RBI, 10 runs scored, and a stolen base in 17 games and 70 plate appearances so far in July. The hot streak has boosted the switch-hitter's season line to .275/.338/.409 with a .746 OPS, nine home runs, 48 RBI, 15 steals, and 43 runs scored across his 345 at-bats. Fantasy managers looking for a quick batting average fix should consider riding Rocchio's hot bat, but long-term, he's unlikely to be a savior with a .258 xBA and a .306xwOBA.

6 days ago

José Ramírez • 3B • Guardians

Jose Ramirez Reinstated and Starting on Wednesday

The Cleveland Guardians reinstated third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday and optioned outfield prospect Kahlil Watson to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Ramirez has skipped a minor-league rehab assignment and will start at third base and bat in the two-hole in his return on Wednesday against the division-rival Minnesota Twins and right-hander Bailey Ober. Despite being out for over five weeks with a broken hamate bone in his hand, Ramirez should be returned to all starting lineups immediately against a pitcher whom he knows well in his career. In 28 career at-bats against Ober, J-Ram is hitting .321 with a 1.013 OPS, two home runs, and five RBI. The 33-year-old switch-hitting Dominican has missed valuable time in 2026, and he'll return to a .239/.339/.418 slash line with a .757 OPS, 10 home runs, 33 RBI, 42 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases across 268 at-bats. Ramirez's power might not come back right away, but he should still be useful for his speed and will be a must-start once again in all fantasy formats.

7 days ago

Ralphy Velazquez • 1B • Guardians

Ralphy Velazquez a Stash Consideration After Strong Run at Triple-A

Cleveland Guardians first base prospect Ralphy Velazquez continues to perform well at Triple-A Columbus, biding his time until a call-up to the major leagues. The Guardians' top-ranked prospect earned a promotion to Columbus in May and is slashing .273/.357/.422 in 42 games for the Clippers, but has kicked it into high gear since mid June. From June 18 through his latest game this past Sunday (July 19), a period of 22 games, the former first-round draft pick is hitting .329 with three of his four Triple-A homers coming during that time, and he's walked (12) nearly as much as he's struck out (14) over that span. With Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins on the roster, there isn't a current path to playing time at first base, but the left-handed slugger has also spent time in the outfield this year and in previous years, which could open another route to the big leagues. It could become clearer after the trade deadline passes or when rosters expand in September, but in the meantime, the 21-year-old is a speculative stash with upside in deeper 12+ team leagues where an NA spot is available.

Jul 21

Petey Halpin • CF • Guardians

Petey Halpin Hits First Two Big-League Homers on Monday

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Petey Halpin had a night to remember in Monday's 13-4 victory over the division-rival Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field, going 3-for-5 at the plate out of the nine-hole with his first two major-league home runs, a double, three RBI, and three runs scored to raise his average to .222 and his OPS to .618 on the year. The 24-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is now slashing just .222/.243/.375 with two homers, four RBI, 12 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 34 games and 76 plate appearances for the Guards in 2026 after debuting for six games in the majors a year ago. In his 40 total games in Cleveland, dating back to 2025, Halpin has gone 18-for-78 (.231) with two homers, four RBI, four steals, and 17 runs scored in 84 plate appearances. The former third-round pick in 2020 will most likely head back to Triple-A Columbus for more minor-league seasoning once outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) returns from the injured list soon. Halpin isn't rostered in any Yahoo leagues and isn't recommended as a waiver-wire pickup after his first two MLB homers on Monday.

Jul 21

Rhys Hoskins • 1B • Guardians

Rhys Hoskins Hits Two Solo Home Runs Against Twins

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Guardians feasted on the Minnesota Twins' pitching in Monday night's 13-4 rout over the division rivals at Progressive Field. Hoskins went 2-for-5 as the designated hitter with two solo home runs and a strikeout. The 33-year-old right-handed slugger has gone 5-for-22 with four solo home runs in his last six games, but he has still gone 5-for-30 (.167) with an .852 OPS, four RBI, five runs scored, a stolen base, five walks, and 13 strikeouts in 11 games and 35 plate appearances so far in July. Overall, Hoskins has continued to struggle at the plate in his first year in Cleveland, slashing .182/.314/.387 with a .701 OPS, 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 30 runs scored, and a stolen base in 79 games and 274 plate appearances. He continues to take his walks, sporting a 15.3% walk rate, but it has been mitigated by a career-high 31.8% strikeout rate in his ninth year in the big leagues. Hoskins just hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL with the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2023, and fantasy managers shouldn't latch on due to his recent power surge.

Jul 21

Travis Bazzana • 2B • Guardians

Travis Bazzana Emerging as a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Target

Across 300 plate appearances in 2026, Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana is hitting .246/.337/.419 with nine home runs, 32 RBI, 33 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases. The 23-year-old has shown off impressive plate discipline in his rookie season, logging an 11.3% walk rate while striking out at a manageable 22.7% clip. However, Bazzana's underlying batted-ball metrics are unimpressive, as he's posted a 4.2% barrel rate and a 36.1% hard-hit rate. Still, Bazzana has emerged as a fixture at the top of the Guardians lineup, which should put him in position to continue to rack up counting stats and stolen bases. The young infielder has also demonstrated some power upside of late, hitting home runs in two out of Cleveland's first four games coming out of the All-Star break. All in all, Bazzana profiles as a must-add waiver wire target in any fantasy league where he's not already rostered.

Jul 20

Angel Genao • 3B • Guardians

Angel Genao's Steady Productivity Could Give him Big-League Shot

Cleveland Guardians prospect Angel Genao has shown solid productivity across two minor league levels at Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. The switch hitting infield prospect is red-hot this month with a .452 batting average across 42 July at bats in Columbus with a homer and four RBI to go with 10 runs scored. Since getting called up to Columbus, Genao has been steady across the board with a .305 batting average with seven homers and 28 RBI to go with 17 runs scored and six stolen bases. At 22 years old, Genao checks in as the No. 2 overall prospect in the Guardians' system and grades out with a 60 overall hit tool and 55 overall run tool. With Jose Ramirez on the injured list, Genao could force his way up to Cleveland. He does a little bit of everything from a production standpoint and that should translate to fantasy. Because he is so young, he is a bit of a risky stash, but could reward fantasy managers who take a chance on him.

Jul 20

Ralphy Velazquez • 1B • Guardians

Ralphy Velazquez is a High-Risk, High-Reward Stash Option

Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez could be ready to make a second-half impact for fantasy managers. Velazquez, the Guardians' top overall prospect, has had good overall numbers between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus this season, and if given an opportunity in Cleveland, he could make some noise in the fantasy landscape. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter has been productive between two levels this year, hitting .292 with 11 homers and 47 RBI to go with 44 runs scored. Velazquez is still young, but has a power tool that is graded out at 60 with a 50 hit tool. He will likely not provide much on the base paths, but he could be a solid power bat for years to come in fantasy. Fantasy managers will want to take a chance on him in the second half of this season for the upside, but there is no guarantee that he makes his big league debut this season. So it's a little bit of a risky add but offers a ton of upside.

Jul 19

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Allows Three Homers, Fans Season-High 11 Hitters

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams took the loss on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he still managed to display plenty of strikeout form. Williams allowed five earned runs on seven hits (three home runs) while walking none and striking out a season-high 11 hitters in six innings for his fifth loss of the year in the 7-1 defeat at the hands of the Bucs. The long ball came back to bite Williams in a game in which he threw 65 of his 84 pitches for strikes and reached the 11-strikeout mark for the fourth time this year. It was the 26-year-old's first loss in over a month. Williams is now 10-5 on the season with a 4.00 ERA (3.86 FIP) and 1.15 WHIP with 145 strikeouts and 37 walks in a league-high 119 1/3 innings across 20 starts for the Guardians in his fourth year in the big leagues. After walking a league-high 83 batters in 2025, Williams has a career-low 7.6% walk rate coupled with a career-high 29.9% strikeout rate. He's a clear buy in fantasy baseball leagues for the second half.

Jul 19

Cooper Ingle • C • Guardians

Cooper Ingle Stays Hot With Triple-A Columbus Following Recent Demotion

Cleveland Guardians catcher prospect Cooper Ingle has continued to hit despite being sent down to Triple-A Columbus after a big-league stint with Cleveland. In three games back at Columbus, Ingle has five hits, including a homer and two RBI. This year with Columbus, Ingle has been extremely productive with 13 homers and 43 RBI and a .291 batting average and a .985 OPS. The No. 3 prospect for the Guardians, Ingle has proven himself at the Triple-A level, it seems, but did little offensively in his brief major league cameo. Ingle had just two hits in his 21 at-bats at the big league level. It's a good sign, however, that he picked up right where he left off at Columbus, and he could get another look at Cleveland this season. Thus, he might be worth a speculative add, as many fantasy managers may have dismissed him after his poor stretch with the Guardians.

Jul 18

Angel Martínez • LF • Guardians

Angel Martinez is Beginning Rehab Assignment on Friday

Cleveland Guardians infielder/outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Friday, according to Tim Stebbins. The plan is to ease Martinez into game action, so he'll get in five innings on Friday. Martinez hasn't played in a game since breaking his foot on June 13. This season, Martinez is slashing .239/.276/.442 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI across 66 games. The 24-year-old was playing an everyday role in the outfield before landing on the Injured List in mid-June. He could be someone worth stashing in deep leagues as he ramps up his return.

Jul 17

José Ramírez • 3B • Guardians

Jose Ramirez Could Skip Rehab Assignment

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (left hand) is progressing well and may be activated without a minor-league rehab assignment. Ramirez had surgery June 16 to remove the hook of a fractured left hamate bone, and the club originally expected him to miss about six weeks. There is still no firm return date, but even discussing a direct jump back to Cleveland is a good sign. Ramirez was batting .239/.339/.418 with 10 homers, 42 runs, 33 RBI, and 24 steals through 72 games before the injury. Fantasy managers should keep him locked into an IL spot. Gabriel Arias was activated when Ramirez went down and has covered most of the work at third base, but that playing time will dry up once the Guardians star is cleared.

Jul 17

Angel Genao • 3B • Guardians

Act Now on Red Hot Guardians Prospect Angel Genao

Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao maintained a scorching pace at Triple-A Columbus before the All-Star break during the month of July. In 33 July at-bats, Genao is hitting a whopping .515 with one homer and four RBI to go with 10 runs scored. The talented switch-hitting, Dominican Republic native is making a case for promotion to Cleveland, and savvy fantasy managers will want to hop on board now. Since his call-up to Columbus from Double-A Akron, Genao is hitting .308 with seven homers and 28 RBI to go with 41 runs scored. The Guardians' No. 2 overall prospect has an elite hit tool and has the speed to be a nuisance on the base paths. He has a total of eight steals between Double-A and Triple-A this season. The 22-year-old is a must-stash for the second half and could be a sneaky source of batting average and runs scored for fantasy rosters.

Jul 17

Ralphy Velazquez • 1B • Guardians

Ralphy Velazquez Ready to Bring Power Skills to Major Leagues

Cleveland Guardians prospect Ralphy Velazquez has split his time nicely this season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. Between the two levels, Velazquez has 11 homers and 47 RBI to go with 44 runs scored while hitting .293. A first-base prospect who bats left-handed, Velazquez was the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Velazquez, who can also play in the outfield, is the top prospect in the Guardians' system. At age 21, he might be a stash-worthy fantasy prospect who can fill a roster spot at first base or outfield. He has shown nice hitting skills in the minors with a high batting average and some solid power. He doesn't steal bases, but he fills the other four categories quite nicely. Velazquez's numbers have dipped a little bit since moving to Triple-A, but it appears he is ready to face big-league pitching. Now is the time to make a move on Velazquez before your peers, as he appears poised for a second-half promotion to Cleveland.

Jul 16

Cleveland Guardians News

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