Angel Genao is on track to eventually be the top talent in the Cleveland Guardians' farm system.
The Cleveland Guardians have an exciting future, thanks to plenty of their up-and-coming prospects who will be key pieces to the big-league roster next season. Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana, CJ Kayfus, and even Cooper Ingle could have a major impact for the Guardians in 2026.
If all of these players graduate out of their prospect status, someone must take over as the top talent in Cleveland’s farm system. MLB.com’s Sam Dykstra is predicting that player to be 21-year-old infielder Angel Genao.
“Now on the 40-man roster, Genao was limited by a right shoulder strain in 2025. A healthier year could make him more productive as a switch-hitter and send him high up prospect lists,” wrote Dykstra.
This choice is far from a hot take. The only way Genao isn’t viewed as the best player in Cleveland’s farm system heading into 2027 is if he’s somehow included in a trade for a more established big-leaguer. Considering this isn’t a formula the Guardians typically use, Genao is an extremely safe pick.
Angel Genao at bat. Akron Rubber Ducks host Richmond Flying Squirrels on July 9 at Canal Park.As the analyst notes, Genao missed time in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. Overall, he managed a respectable season, posting a slash line of .263/.332/.382.
It certainly appears the 20-year-old is healthy. Genao is currently playing in the Dominican Winter League and owns a .325 batting average and a .773 OPS in 26 games. Not to mention, he’s shown off some very nice defensive plays at shortstop.
As of right now, Genao is ranked at No. 59 on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects list. Ironically, that’s directly behind another Cleveland prospect, Delauter, who is at No. 58.
And some of the players above Genao, like his teammate, have graduated from prospect status; he should simply move up this list as a result.
Another way Genao to boost his prospect status is by improving some of his powers. He’s only hit 22 home runs over five minor league seasons. That said, Genao is still very young; power will come with age and time.
Overall, Dykstra's prediction for Genao to eventually be the top prospect in Cleveland’s system makes a ton of sense, and he could even be considered one of the top prospects in baseball ahead of his MLB debut.