Guardians News: More Wins, More Young Talent

HOOVER, AL - MAY 21: Pitcher Liam Peterson #12 of the Florida Gators celebrates closing out an inning during the SEC Baseball Tournament Quarterfinals game between Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide on May 21, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Guardians beat the Marlins and selected four players in the first four rounds of the 2026 major league draft.Patrick Bailey doubled in some key insurance runs late yesterday.

Since June 1st, Guardians catchers have had a 118 wRC+ which is crazy. Bailey has a 120 wRC+ in high leverage spots for his career (44 in mid-leverage, 75 in low leverage). That shouldn’t be sustainable but, hey, I won’t complain if it is.

Steven Kwan is closing in on a month’s of 110 wRC+ play, so let’s hope that continues. However, his defense is just always good and Travis Bazzana and Kwan combined on an insanely high baseball IQ play yesterday:We're running out of words to describe Steven Kwan's defense.#GuardsBallpic.

twitter.com/Zq953AGOZ6— GuardsTV (@GuardsTV) July 11, 2026The Guardians have drafted so far:19. Liam Peterson, RHP, FloridaBaseball America said:“6-foot-5, 225 pounds and throws from a steep vertical arm slot.

He throws a high-carry four-seam fastball that averages around 96 mph and has been up to 100. His fastball has clear plus traits and power, but he needs to improve his command to avoid throwing middle-middle heaters that get hit hard. All three of his secondaries are standout swing-and-miss pitches.

A high-spin slider in the upper-80s is his go-to secondary and a clear plus offering with sharp biting action that helped him generate a 51% miss rate. He throws the pitch nearly half the time against righties. Against lefties, Peterson will mix in a mid-80s changeup and a curveball around 80 mph.

While Peterson has less confidence and feel for his changeup and curveball, they are also potential plus pitches that vex