Guardians Option Genao, Watson to Triple-A Columbus in Spring Roster Cuts

Two of Cleveland's brightest young prospects packed their bags for Triple-A Columbus on March 9, but manager Stephen Vogt made clear the moves said nothing about their readiness.

The Guardians optioned infielder Angel Genao and outfielder Kahlil Watson to Columbus as part of their latest round of spring roster cuts in Goodyear, Arizona, trimming the major league Spring Training roster to 50 players. First baseman Ralphy Velazquez, outfielder Wuilfredo Antunez and right-hander Jack Leftwich were reassigned to minor league camp in the same round of moves.

Watson, 22, was arguably the hardest player to send down after posting a .429 average (6-for-14) with two doubles and a triple over eight Cactus League games. His spring came after converting from infield to outfield full-time last season, and Vogt ran out of superlatives when asked about him.

"Kahlil Watson impressed us just as much as, if not the most, out of everybody in camp," Vogt said. "The growth in the outfield, the advanced approach at the plate. He looks like a big leaguer in the box."

A crowded Cleveland outfield was the deciding factor in Watson's option. The Guardians added him to their 40-man roster in November, and the organization left little doubt a callup could come quickly if a big-league need opens up in 2026.

Genao, 21, also drew high praise despite going 5-for-20 (.250) over nine Cactus League appearances at shortstop and third base. As the club's No. 3 prospect and the No. 66 overall prospect in baseball, the switch-hitter was one of the youngest players in big league camp and drew particular attention for his composure.

"I was very impressed with Angel," Vogt said. "I thought his maturity stood out. He did a great job with his body. This kid's physical, he's strong. But just the confidence that he exudes when he's playing the infield and at the batter's box, we saw a very mature player out there. It's really exciting for the future of Angel Genao."

Genao was optioned to Triple-A Columbus but may open the 2026 season with Double-A Akron, according to local reporting. Last year marked his first stint with the Akron RubberDucks, though a right shoulder strain limited him to 77 games.

Velazquez, Cleveland's No. 4 prospect and No. 89 overall, left big league camp having hit .385 (5-for-13) with two doubles over nine games, the strongest spring line of the three headline names. At 20, he was Cleveland's youngest player in big league camp and drew praise for his work at first base and on the basepaths before being returned to minor league camp.

The three prospects head toward a busy spring stretch. The Guardians have named a 40-player Spring Breakout pool, from which 27 will be selected for the organization's Spring Breakout game on March 19 at 4:10 p.m. ET. Genao, Watson and Velazquez all appear in the projected lineup for that showcase, alongside top-ranked prospect Travis Bazzana, catcher Cooper Ingle and outfielder Jaison Chourio.