Guardians Baseball Insider

Image: Courtesy University of Florida Athletics

The Cleveland Indians selected Right-handed Pitcher Franco Aleman with the tenth-round pick (306th overall) in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Franco Aleman – Right-handed Pitcher

School: Florida
Age: 21.1
Height: 6’6; Weight: 235
Throws: Right

Franco Aleman Pre-Draft Rankings:

IBI – rounds 8-10

Baseball America– 303

MLB.com– unranked

Prospects Live– 338

Willie Hood’s Analysis: 

The large framed right-hander skipped across a handful of schools throughout his collegiate career. He started at Florida International before transferring to St. John’s River College last year and then moving to the University of Florida for this season. Aleman, originally a Cuban native, served in a swing capacity for the Gators this season. The righty appeared in 22 games this season with 13 games in a relief capacity and 9 games as a starting pitcher. He logged 66.1 innings surrendering 68 hits while walking 19 (2.58 BB9), striking out 62 (8.45 K9).

On the bump, the right-hander displays some effort to his three-quarters delivery. His fastball sits in the low-90’s, but he touches as high as 98. He’s shifted from his two-seam approach, utilizing a four-seamer more frequently this season. Aleman’s best secondary is his slider that could be an above-average pitch. He rounds out his four-pitch arsenal with a curveball and changeup. The young for the draft class college-junior displays above-average control. His future role is to be determined, but he could be developed as a starting pitcher that could move to the pen if his secondaries do not advance as necessary.

Press Release:

RHP FRANCO ALEMAN

Cuban native appeared in 23 games, including 9 starts, for the Gators going 2-4 with a 5.74 ERA and 4 saves (69.0IP, 75H, 52R-44ER, 5HR, 21BB, 65SO). Began his collegiate career at Florida International University in 2019 and also pitched for the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod League later that summer. Transferred to St. Johns River State College for 2020 season. Was an all-state baseball and soccer athlete at Columbia HS in Lake City (FL); also attended Alonso High School in Tampa, Florida, where he was an All-State First Team selection after finishing his senior season 9-1 with a 0.59 ERA and 106 strikeouts across 72.0 innings.

Cleveland Indians Scouting Director Scott Barnsby on Franco Aleman