When MLB held the inaugural Spring Breakout showcase game last March, the Guardians’ roster included several prospects who became key contributors in their run to the 2024 ALCS. That included Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel,

Cleveland Guardians pitching prospect Parker Messick shows his elite potential during MLB's Spring Breakout Showcase.

Genao batted .330 (.878 OPS) with 38 doubles and 10 HR between Lynchburg and Lake County last season. He’ll turn 21 on May 19. He’s a switch-hitting shortstop who seems born to play baseball. Nearly every move is fluid and confident. In some ways, he reminds me of a very young Julio Franco — although that’s probably an unfair label to put on Genao.

Outfielders Tai Peete and Jared Sundstrom both homered and top draft picks Jurrangelo Cijntje and Ryan Sloan made their professional debuts.

The spring breakout games will happen this week as a way to show off some of the top young prospects in baseball, and Travis Bazzana of the Guardians was named as the best hitter to watch.

Starting pitchers Cole Ragans and Kyle Freeland were each relieved mid-inning twice, only to return at the top of the next inning, thanks to a Spring Training rule that allows a pitcher to re-enter a game if he’s pulled because the team doesn’t want him to throw too many pitches in a single inning.