10 Cleveland Guardians Prospects To Know Beyond The Top 30 in 2024
Baseball America’s Top 30 Cleveland Guardians Prospects entering 2024 are here exclusively for subscribers. The list includes updated scouting reports, BA grades and tool grade projections every player.
Inevitably, there are players every year who barely miss the cut when we narrow down the list. These players are all worth monitoring for various reasons and it’s likely some will either reach the big leagues in 2024 or enjoy breakout seasons lower in the minors.
Here are next 10 players to know in the Guardians system beyond their Top 30.
31. Tim Herrin, LHP
Herrin bounced between Triple-A Columbus and Cleveland in 2023 and he could fit in the Guardians’ bullpen in 2024 as a lower-leverage lefty reliever. He’s better against lefties than righties, but needs to be a little better against righthanded hitters to carve out a more significant role.
32. C.J. Kayfus, 1B
The Guardians in 2023 drafted Kayfus 93rd overall after a solid career at Miami. He has an unusual profile as a smaller hit-over-power first baseman, but his feel for hitting gives him a solid foundation.
33. Alex Mooney, SS
Mooney was No. 83 in the 2023 draft rankings but slid to the seventh round as a draft-eligible sophomore from Duke. The Guardians went well over slot to sign him, inking him to their third-highest bonus in the draft class. He’s a well-rounded player but lacks a true carrying tool.
34. Tanner Burns, RHP
Burns was the 36th overall pick in the 2020 draft and has been solid, if unspectacular, in the professional ranks. He’s spent the last two seasons at Double-A Akron and he went unpicked in the Rule 5 draft after Cleveland left him unprotected this fall. He lacks a plus pitch but he made a late-season move to the bullpen that could unlock some of his potential.
35. Will Dion, LHP
Listed at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Dion is undersized and has a below-average fastball but he’s been one of the most productive pitchers in the Guardians’ system in his first two full professional seasons. He spent most of 2023 at Double-A Akron and offers high-level pitchability. If he can find some more velocity or continue to prove himself at the upper levels, he could make a breakthrough.
36. Doug Nikhazy, LHP
An All-American at Mississippi, Nikhazy reached Double-A Akron in 2022, his first full professional season. He spent all of 2023 there and while parts of his game stood out, his control has regressed in the minor leagues. His big curveball is a true weapon, but to take the next step he’ll have to improve his rate of 6.7 walks per nine innings as a professional.
37. Milan Tolentino, SS
Drafted out of the California prep ranks in 2020, Tolentino in 2023 advanced to Double-A Akron. His high baseball IQ plays well defensively, and he has a contact-oriented approach at the plate.
38. Guy Lipscomb, OF
Despite missing nearly two months due to a broken wrist, Lipscomb still swiped 48 bases in 75 games for Low-A Lynchburg in his first professional season. His speed, athleticism and control of the strike zone give him intriguing upside.
39. Jacob Zibin, RHP
A Canadian native, Zibin was one of the youngest players in the 2022 draft class. He slipped to the 10th round but signed for $1.2 million and the Guardians ended up with a player with exciting upside. He didn’t pitch in 2023 after having Tommy John surgery.
40. Kody Huff, C
The Guardians acquired Huff from the Rockies in November in exchange for Cal Quantrill. Huff is an athletic catcher and has a high-level baseball IQ.
