On January 14, the Guardians announced that 16 prospects would be invited to 2025 Spring Training as non-roster invitees. Several former first-round picks were included among the 16 are pitchers Tanner Burns and Will Dion, plus an oft-injured power bat in Chase DeLauter.
Arguably the most notable name part of the 16 is Chase DeLauter, the Guardians’ 2022 first-round pick. DeLauter has proven to be a tantalizing prospect, despite a funky swing. The 23-year-old hit .317/.387/.517 with 13 home runs over 96 career Minor League games, showing plus power.
However, injuries have been the story for DeLauter over the last three seasons. He missed significant time with James Madison in 2022, then played fewer than 60 games over the last two seasons. To make up for the lost time, DeLauter played in the Arizona Fall League each of the last two years.
Infielder Kahlil Watson, acquired in the Josh Bell trade two years ago, is also an invite. Watson was a 2021 first-round pick with plus raw tools but not much to show for it at the pro level. Last season, Watson struck out 125 times (30.7% K%) over 96 games, with a .220/.305/407 slash line in Double-A.
There are some notable pitchers going to the big league camp, as well. Former first-round pick Tanner Burns will be joined by Will Dion and Ryan Webb, two names who were eligible for the 2024 Rule 5 Draft but not taken. However, Dion and Webb could be names to watch for Cleveland in 2025.
Dion had a very strong 2023, striking out 129 over 116.2 IP and dominated Double-A. However, in 2024, Dion saw his K/9 dip to 8.95 from 9.95, and his BB/9 jump to over four per nine innings.
Still, Dion has interesting stuff, including a good changeup and a four-seamer that sits in the low-90s with incredible movement. Last season among tracked pitches, Dion’s mean IVB on the four-seam was 19.6”, which would rate well above the MLB average.
Webb, meanwhile, struck out 151 over 141.1 IP. The 25-year-old had a solid audition in Triple-A last season, as he posted a 2.60 ERA in Columbus over seven starts.
The other names invited to Guardians’ camp were Cooper Ingle, Milan Tolentino, Kody Huff, Andrew Misiaszek, Jack Leftwich, Micah Pries, Dayan Frias, Yordys Valdes, Zak Kent, Mason Hickman, and Bradley Hanner.
Cleveland is one of the few teams that have announced which prospects are headed to Spring Training. This past weekend, the Royals did the same.