MLB Draft Watch: Top Bats for Picks 19 and 59

The buzz around the Guardians is building as Day One of the MLB Draft approaches. Cleveland’s first pick at 19 and second pick at 59 both center on bat quality, a trend the organization has leaned on heavily in recent years. This piece breaks down the most compelling candidates for those slots, drawing on the latest scouting metrics.

Round One – The 19th Overall Spot

Justin Lebron (SS, Alabama, 21) offers a blend of speed and arm strength at 6′2″ and just under 200 lb. His defensive moves are raw, lacking crispness, but he shows double‑plus speed and solid instincts. At the plate his hands are among the quickest in the class, yet he struggles to generate consistent power, posting a 10.2% walk rate overall and 6.2% in SEC play. A 20.9% in‑zone whiff rate raises red flags, making him a project rather than a immediate contributor. Should Cleveland select him, the reaction would be “UNINSPIRED.”

Chris Hacopian (IF, Texas A&M, 21) boasts an elite slash line of .319/.404/.560 in conference play, paired with a walk rate that matches his strikeout numbers. His hips rotate smoothly, keeping the barrel in the zone for extended periods, and his in‑zone whiff sits below 8% while his overall whiff is under 15%. The player projects more naturally to second or third base rather than shortstop and lacks elite speed, but his bat remains one of the best in the draft. A pick here would draw a “THRILLED” response from fans and scouts alike.

Cole Prosek (C/IF, Magnolia Heights HS, MS, 19) is a 6′1″ right‑hander approaching 200 lb who leans toward contact over power but shows potential for extra bases. His left‑sided swing is compact, and he has been a dominant force in showcase circuits. Although he started as an infielder, Prosek’s catching work this season has elevated his draft stock. The Guardians’ interest in him signals a willingness to develop a late‑blooming backstop. Selecting him would generate “INTRIGUED” feelings across the organization.

AJ Gracia (OF, Virginia, 21) combines a refined hit tool with above‑average pop, traits that have become increasingly rare in left‑handed bats. His power numbers dropped from a plus level at Duke to a solid average at UVA, partly due to injuries, but he still handles all pitch types with elite consistency and barrel contact. Defensively he is suited for corner outfield spots, as his fringe speed and arm keep him out of center field. A pick here would be greeted with “HAPPY” optimism, especially given the blend of hit and power.

Round Two – Value at the 59th Pick

Chris Rembert (2B, Auburn, 21) attacks pitches with a level swing, generating line drives and maintaining quality bat speed from a closed stance. He already boasts a 94th‑percentile EV90 rating, reflecting his high‑end power potential despite being a draft‑eligible sophomore. Cleveland’s history of refining bat paths on prospects like Cooper Ingle and Ralphy Velazquez suggests Rembert could blossom into a solid middle‑infielder if his approach is tweaked. Landing him at 59 would be considered an “IDEAL” acquisition for the Guardians.

Caden Ferraro (OF, Texas Tech, 21) embodies the pure‑bat profile, walking more than he strikes out while posting top‑1% exit velocities, EV90 and xwOBA marks. His open stance and level swing produce strong backspin, and his in‑zone whiff sits under 10%. Ferraro’s defensive attributes are limited, projecting him toward a DH role where his power can be maximized. The organization’s willingness to take risks on bat‑only talent makes him a plausible target at this juncture.

Martin Shelar (OF, Marist HS, GA, 18) surprised scouts at the combine with exit velocities exceeding 110 mph and numerous mammoth home runs. His steep swing and double‑toe tap generate massive power, though the toe tap may need adjustment at the professional level for balance. Shelar already displays above‑average speed and a frame that is still growing, positioning him as a future corner outfielder with elite raw power. A late‑bloomer like him could become a “PROMISING” addition for Cleveland’s outfield depth.