What we learned about the Guardians’ farm system this spring

This story was excerpted from Mandy Bell's Guardians Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had his hands full this spring.

First, he had to learn how being a manager of a Major League Baseball team works. He had to memorize the names of more than 200 new coworkers. He had to form opinions of the guys in big league camp and narrow his options to 26 players.

But aside from all of that, he got a look at how bright the future is of this organization. Let’s take a look at three things we learned this spring about Cleveland’s farm system.

1. DeLauter is the real deal

OK, we can’t make any grand declarations based on a handful of games but … we can try. Cleveland’s top prospect Chase DeLauter (as ranked by MLB Pipeline) was everything the Guardians could’ve asked for. He wasn’t part of big league camp, he was part of a depth camp the team put together to help fill the late innings of early Cactus League games. As a perk, they could also practice with the Major League squad.

These guys weren’t there to fight for Opening Day roster spots. They were there to leave a lasting impression, and that’s exactly what DeLauter did. He hit four homers in 13 games and showed a veteran-like level of poise at the plate while facing Major League pitching. When he wasn’t hitting the ball over the fence, DeLauter was constantly finding ways on base. There’s a reason he’s Cleveland’s top prospect, and by the way he performed in this small showing, it wouldn’t be surprising if his debut comes quickly.

2. Manzardo is close

Speaking of debuts just around the corner …

Kyle Manzardo showed he’s ready for the big leagues. The Guardians have a checklist of things they hope a player can experience in the Minors before they’re asked to contribute at the big league level. One of those is overcoming struggles. It’s much easier if the first setback in a player’s professional career comes in the Minors. If it happens while you’re trying to prove yourself to the Major League coaching staff, it leads to more pressure (which, in turn, leads to longer slumps). Manzardo hit a rough patch last year and proved to himself that he can get out of it. By the time he entered the Fall League, he was one of the most exciting players on the field.

There’s very little left for Manzardo to prove to get the call-up. Maybe he can shore up his defense. Surely, he’ll benefit from everyday at-bats if the Guardians weren’t ready to give him that in the Majors. But this team can’t go much longer without having him on the roster. He could be the bat Cleveland has been looking for.

3. Pitching depth may be thin (for once), but the system as a whole is strong

So many Spring Trainings in recent memory include hiding starting pitchers from former manager Terry Francona. Shane Bieber wasn’t included in big league camp in 2018 to prevent the skipper from wanting him in the Majors right away. Gavin Williams was in the same boat last year. It always seems like someone (if not multiple people) is waiting in Triple-A Columbus for their chance to shine. Right now, it’s unusually quiet.

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about someone like Joey Cantillo. But aside from him, there aren’t big-named prospects or head-turning starters itching for their debuts. The Guardians will need their starters to stay healthy this year to prevent the headache of piecing together a rotation with guys who might not be ready for that role just yet. But even if there doesn’t seem to be the extra cushion in the pitching department right now, that doesn’t mean the system as a whole is lacking.

If nothing else, this spring has reminded us all that this farm system is strong. DeLauter and Manzardo were the talk of camp. Angel Martinez dazzled everyone before he fouled a ball off his foot and was sidelined for the last few games of Cactus League play. Juan Brito left a tremendous impression on the big league coaching staff before he was sent to Minor League camp. Andrew Walters was the highlight of this year’s Spring Breakout game.

Maybe they aren’t there just yet, but their arrivals are just around the corner. And they all have the possibility of being special.