Guardians Baseball Insider

As we continue to rank the 2021 top 10 Cleveland Guardians prospects by position, we look at the top 10 centerfield prospects. These are either current centerfielders in the organization or ones we think can stick there long term, at least. It’s not the deepest position, but there are some names of intrigue that can play various roles, and may have some raw talent but are long term projects.

The rankings are this, as always, Justin Lada, Willie Hood and Joe Coblitz rank the players 1-10, and 10 points is awarded for the top spot, nine for second, eight for third, and so on. That’s tallied up and creates the ranking you see here.

More from this series:

2021 Cleveland Guardians top 10 relief pitching prospects

2021 Cleveland Guardians top 10 catching prospects

2021 Cleveland Guardians top 10 right handed pitching prospects

2021 Cleveland Guardians top 10 left handed starting pitching prospects

1 Steven Kwan

Age: 24
B/T: L/L
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Outlook: The Oregon State product took off in 2021. He took an already solid hit tool and approach and added some pop to his game. It’s not outstanding power, but at least in the double-digits now and he’s maintained that elite contact ability and approach to go with it. Kwan maybe profiles a little better defensively in left but he can handle center with good instincts. His key to offensive value is getting on base and trying to run a little better to compliment those on base skills, but there is a solid major league floor for him on both sides of the ball.

2 Petey Halpin

Age: 19
B/T: L/R
Level: Low-A Lynchburg
Outlook: The California native was selected in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft, receiving an over-slot signing bonus of $1,525,000 to forego his collegiate commit with the University of Texas. The 19-year-old outfielder was one of the youngest prep players available in the draft class. Offensively, Halpin has potential for an above-average hit tool with the possibility to make contact often. He will need to show a more patient approach at the plate as he progresses through the system. Defensively, he has the arm to handle right-field and the speed to stick in center-field long-term.

3 Luis Durango Jr.

Age: 18
B/T: L/L
Level: ACL
Outlook: Durango was the speedster for the 2021 ACL Indians that Greene was supposed to be, stealing 28 bases in 35 attempts while being the primary center fielder. He couldn’t have done much more to impress, batting .308/.399/.404 and quickly vaulted himself up the rankings of Guardians center fielders.

4 Isaiah Greene

Age: 20
B/T: L/L
Level: ACL
Outlook: As part of the return from New York for Francisco Lindor, Greene came into the system with high expectations and didn’t quite meet them despite a solid season. He was regularly on base, hitting .289/.321/.368, but wasn’t as active on the bases as expected. Defensively, he split time between center and the corners with Durango and Kokx.

5 Connor Kokx

Age: 21
B/T: R/R
Level: ACL
Outlook: Kokx barely played for the ACL Indians in 2021 after being taken 12th round of the draft that year. He did hit .366/.481/.571 in his final season with Long Beach State. His biggest drawback could be that he will be 22 before the 2022 season even starts and has a lot of ground to make up to catch up with his age group.

6 Will Brennan

Age: 24
B/T: L/L
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Outlook: Signed as an eighth-round draft selection in 2019, the Kansas State product should ascend to Columbus in 2022. Brennan has good bat-to-ball skills as his 2021 batting average (.280) indicates. Brennan has adequate speed and a strong arm. The former Wildcats outfielder/pitcher lacks both power and upside but he could be a useful bench piece at some point.

7 Alex Call

Age: 27
B/T: R/R
Level: Triple-A Columbus
Outlook: The Ball State product was a third-round draft choice of the Chicago White Sox, he was acquired in a trade for Yonder Alonso. Call has a quality arm suitable for right field. He can play any of the three outfield spots. The right-handed-hitting outfielder showed off his advanced approach. Call’s ceiling is limited to platoon bat/fourth-fifth outfielder, but he could have an MLB future.

8 Julian Escobedo

Age: 23
B/T: L/L
Level: High-A Lake County
Outlook: Signed as a 17th round draft pick in 2019, Escobedo can play a solid centerfield with above-average speed. He has yet to hit in the minors or have a full season at one level. Escobedo will need to start healthy and get on track if he is to reach his (limited) ceiling.

9 Quentin Holmes

Age: 22
B/T: R/R
Level: High-A Lake County
Outlook: Signed as a second-round selection in 2017 signing for nearly $1 million. The New York native is coming off of his best season, utilizing his best assets, which are his speed and athleticism. Holmes falls into that “you can’t steal first base” category, as 2021 was his first season hitting above the Mendoza line. The speedy outfielder seems destined to repeat High-A.

10 Korey Holland

Age: 22
B/T: R/R
Level: High-A Lake County
Outlook: Drafted in the 14th round in 2018, he received a $515,000 bonus to forego his commitment to the University of Texas. Holland has the speed to handle center, his arm is more suitable for left. At the dish, he’s improved but lacks pop. He will have to make significant gains throughout his game to establish himself as a prospect.