Scouting Report: Cleveland Guardians No. 2 Prospect Angel Genao
The Cleveland Guardians promoted highly-touted infielder Angel Genao to their 26-man roster on August 5, designating Gabriel Arias for assignment. This move is part of the Guardians' ongoing effort to bolster their struggling offense, which has frequently left runners stranded. Genao, a 22-year-old switch-hitter, is known for his exceptional contact hitting, pitch recognition, and defensive versatility across second, short, and third base. Despite a lack of power, the No. 2 prospect boasts a career minor league average of .291 and was hitting .309 at Triple-A Columbus. The Guardians hope Genao's ability to hit for average and doubles will provide a much-needed spark to their lineup. He is expected to see significant playing time, especially at third base when Jose Ramirez rests.
On August 5, the Cleveland Guardians promoted prospect infielder Angel Genao.
To make room on the 26-man Guardians roster, the team designated infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment.
Arias was out of options and could not have been sent to Triple-A Columbus.
Genao, pronounced heNow, will become a viable team option at third base, shortstop, and second base.
A switch-hitter, Genao turned 22 on May 19.
Genao is the latest is a slew of roster additions and subtractions orchestrated by a Guardians front office that has seen the team squander opportunities to score runs. They have left countless runners stranded in scoring position.
Looking for more offense, The Guardians have added outfielder Jo Adell, first baseman/designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe, outfielder BlakePerkins, and now Genao to their 40-man roster.
Perkins has been assigned to Triple-A Columbus to get more seasoning. The Guardians now have rookie outfielders Petey Halpin, and Chase DeLauter, and infielders Travis Bazzana, and Genao as part of their offensive arsenal. Each has rookie status.
Genao is 5-11, 160 pounds, and follows in the Guardians organizational philosophy of uncovering solid contact hitting infielders.
baseballamerica.com notes that Genao was signed by the Cleveland Guardians in 2021 as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic.
The Guardians gave Genao a $1.175 Million signing bonus.
Genao has always seen as an excellent, Grade 60 hitter for batting average, However, he does’t have much power.
Genao’s development stalled a bit when he experienced a torn meniscus in his right knee.
He also strained his right shoulder, which was another factor in slowing his development.
This old scout has had an opportunity to observe Genao in his past couple spring training appearances.
Genao has always shown an ability to put the barrel of the bat on the ball, but his swing is relatively flat, but compact. That swing plane results in few home runs, but lots of balls hit to the gaps.
Genao is a very good candidate to hit his share of doubles, and with his speed increasing since the meniscus tear is in the rear view mirror, he may get his share of triples.
Genao has good pitch recognition for such a young player. He won’t get himself out very often by making bad swing decisions.
Recognizing the pitch out of the pitcher’s hand quickly, in his minor league development, Genao wasn’t fooled very often by high spin rates.
Of course, major league pitchers are the best in the world at their craft.
Cleveland fans will have to be patient, as Genao gets his footing against big league pitchers.
However, Genao’s track record indicates he will hit.
Listed as the Cleveland Guardians No. 2 prospect by mlbpipeline.com, Genao could find himself playing lots of third base when Jose Ramirez needs a breather.
Only 1B/OF Ralphy Velazquez is a higher rated prospect in the Guardians organization.
Ramirez is still recovering from the removal of a hamate bone in his hand, which required surgery.
Defensively, Genao moves smoothy, and has good range at all three infield positions.
Genao is a natural shortstop, but can handle any infield position, with the exception of first base.
Genao has much better than average arm strength.
Genao began his professional career at the age of 17, and is now in his 6th minor league development season.
He has a career hitting record of .291/.374/.430/.804, with 35 home runs, 233 RBIs, and 70 stolen bases (he has been caught 17 times) in 2,000 plate appearances.
Major league teams usually like position player to have between 1300-1500 hitting appearances before graduation to the big leagues. In essence, Genao has more seasoning than the norm.
baseball reference.com indicates Genao was promoted from the Columbus Clippers Triple-A team, where he was hitting .309/.395/.494/.889, with 10 homers, 42 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases.
A Grade 55 player is much better than average, with at least one or two outstanding tools. Genao only lacks power, which impacts his overall grade. But, his power may emerge.
The Cleveland Guardians have made some bold moves to bolster their anemic hitting.
In addition to adding outfield Jo Adell, and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to their 26-man roster via trade, the Guardians have promoted infielder Angel Genao from Triple-A Columbus.
Infielder Gabriel Arias was designated for assignment to make room for Genao.
The Cleveland Guardians have done a great deal to bolster their hitting.
The Cleveland Guardians won’t hesitate to use Genao at second, short or third, as they look to jump start the offense with the excellent contact hitting potential and upside of Angel Genao.