Four Guardians Prospects Named To MLB Pipeline’s 2024 Top 100 List

Nine days ago, the Cleveland Guardians had a pair of prospects named to Baseball America’s Top 100 list ahead of the 2024 season.

For another publication, however, that number has doubled.

On Friday night, MLB Pipeline revealed its first Top 100 Baseball Prospects list for this season, and four members of the Guardians organization made the cut.

Here is a breakdown of the four Cleveland prospects who were each named one of the 100 best in baseball by MLB Pipeline (final 2023 ranking in parentheses).

31. Chase DeLauter, OF (previously #85)

Once he was activated from the 60-day injured list, Chase DeLauter was one of the premier hitters in the Guardians’ player development system in 2023.

After nine games in the Arizona Complex League, the 2022 first-round pick began his Minor League career with High-A Lake County. In 42 games with the Captains, DeLauter slashed .366/.403/.549 with 60 hits, 18 doubles, four home runs, 31 RBI, and a .952 OPS, while striking out just 22 times.

Lake County Captains outfielder Chase DeLauter (36) hits a ball against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Photo Credit: Lake County Captains

He recorded Lake County’s two longest hitting streaks of the season (13 and 12 games, respectively), and hit safely in all but six games.

DeLauter wrapped up the season with Double-A Akron, hitting .364 with eight hits, one double, four RBI, and a .464 on-base percentage in six games. He was then named a 2023 Arizona Fall League Fall-Star this offseason.

59. Kyle Manzardo, 1B (previously #58)

After being acquired by Cleveland in the Aaron Civale trade, Kyle Manzardo ended the 2023 season with a productive stint with Triple-A Columbus.

In 21 games with the Clippers, the 23-year-old hit .256 with 20 hits, eight doubles, six home runs, 16 RBI, a .590 slugging percentage, and a .938 OPS.

Manzardo was also named a 2023 Arizona Fall League Fall Star, and participated in the league’s Home Run Derby as well. He has since received a non-roster invitation to the Guardians’ 2024 Spring Training.

91. Brayan Rocchio, SS/2B (previously #47)

Brayan Rocchio made his MLB debut with the Guardians in 2023, hitting .247 with 20 hits, six doubles, eight RBI, and four walks in 23 Major League games.

The 23-year-old also played 116 games with Triple-A Columbus, hitting .280 with 131 hits, 33 doubles, six triples, seven home runs, 65 RBI, 25 stolen bases, and a .788 OPS.

100. Daniel Espino, RHP (previously #80)

Despite missing all of 2023 due to surgery on his throwing shoulder, Daniel Espino was named to Cleveland’s 40-man roster this offseason.

At one point, the 2019 first-round pick was the Guardians’ top-ranked prospect and MLB’s 14th-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

His last game action came in 2022, when he went 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA, 35 strikeouts, 0.71 WHIP, and .141 opposing batting average in four starts with Double-A Akron.