Guardians’ Day Two MLB Draft Highlights
Covering the Corner • • sports
Key Points:
- The Cleveland Guardians made 16 selections in rounds 5-20 of the MLB Draft, continuing their tradition of finding valuable players beyond the early rounds, including notable past picks like Jim Thome and Steven Kwan.
- In the seventh round, the Guardians took a high-upside gamble on 6-foot-8 RHP Savion Sims, known for his elite 100 mph fastball, though his secondary pitches need development.
- Cleveland strategically saved money by selecting three senior pitchers consecutively in rounds 8-10, allowing them to allocate more resources to sign Sims.
- The team focused heavily on pitching depth, drafting 11 pitchers in the final 14 rounds to bolster their already strong position player pool.
- Notable sleeper picks include third baseman Alejandro Garza, a high-contact hitter from Cal Poly, and versatile prep player Sebastian Rolon, who could develop as a pitcher if he signs with Cleveland.
