Guardians spring training 2024: The top 5 players to watch in camp

Many of the Guardians' most pressing questions all follow a path right up the middle of the field.

Before they break spring training camp and begin the 2024 season in Oakland, the Guardians need to answer uncertainties at shortstop, in center field and on the mound.

Except for one intriguing Rule 5 selection who could end up at a number of different positions, if he remains on Cleveland's major league roster all season, those position battles have created some interesting cases with players in vastly different stages of their respective careers.

Here's a look at the five most interesting players to follow in Guardians camp this spring, with Kyle Manzardo as an honorable mention.

'Cookie' is back, but can Carlos Carrasco earn a roster spot with the Guardians?

He's one of the most beloved Cleveland players of the last 10 years, and just about everyone who was in the organization before the blockbuster Francisco Lindor trade is smiling now that Carlos Carrasco is back at the Guardians' spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz.

But, at age 37, he is no longer the No. 2 starting pitcher behind Corey Kluber, a role he filled for several years. Whether he breaks camp with the team is totally up in the air. As a non-roster invitee, Carrasco's inclusion on the Opening Day roster will require a 40-man roster move. If he isn't named to the team, he could sign elsewhere or accept an assignment to Triple-A Columbus.

The plan, for now, is to stretch him out as a starting pitcher as if he's competing for a spot in the rotation. Technically that can be true, but as long as Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams and Logan Allen are healthy, it'd be a long shot for Carrasco to simply overtake one of them.

The better bet, barring an injury somewhere, is for Carrasco to compete for a spot in the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever, possibly along with Ben Lively and Xzavion Curry.

Carrasco worked with Driveline in Scottsdale, Ariz. (as did Shane Bieber), and surprised even himself with his velocity early in camp. There certainly is a path for him to contribute to the Guardians pitching staff in 2024.

Few players garnered so much affection from Cleveland's fan base during the Terry Francona years. Now back after a three-year absence with the New York Mets, Carrasco is fighting for a spot into his late 30s.

Top prospect Brayan Rocchio could be the Guardians' Opening Day starter at shortstop

The shortstop position represents the most open spot on the Guardians roster entering spring training.

It's likely that Brayan Rocchio, ranked as the club's No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 13 overall prospect in baseball by Keith Law, will see significant playing time at shortstop with the Guardians in 2024. It's also entirely possible he commands the job from day one.

Rocchio is a true switch-hitter who has become one of the more difficult outs in minor league baseball, and his defense has taken steps in the right direction.

Gabriel Arias and Tyler Freeman are both battling for the job as well, though Freeman will also see time in the outfield to create some defensive versatility.

And with MLB adding incentives for teams to promote their top prospects early, the door is wide open — if Rocchio can seize it this spring.

Rocchio has worked with Guardians hitting coaches on his "attack posture" (in which he isn't getting so downhill during his swing, which in turn has exposed him to pitches in the top of the zone) and turning more efficiently.

"I think those two things are helping his decision-making," said Guardians hitting coach Chris Valaika. "I think him going to winter ball and getting reps and getting to play [has led him to feeling] more confident. … He's not the wide-eyed young kid in camp anymore, that he feels like has a spot on this team and he can help us."

Deyvison De Los Santos battling for Opening Day roster spot as Guardians Rule 5 Draft pick

The Guardians selected a 20-year-old infielder in the Rule 5 Draft, plucking him from the minor league ranks in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. Now they have to figure out if he can fit into the Opening Day puzzle and, if so, where?

As a Rule 5 selection, De Los Santos will have to remain on the Guardians major league roster for the duration of the 2024 season. Otherwise, he'll be offered back to the Diamondbacks.

He's never had an at-bat above the Double-A level, but will now compete for a roster spot in major league camp. He's played primarily third base and first base, and the Guardians will also have him play some outfield in spring training.

De Los Santos is young, even for the league's most youthful team. He'll battle for one of the final spots on the major league roster — somewhere.

"All my conversations with him were, like, 'Go have fun, go be yourself,'" said new Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. "Obviously we saw something in you that we want to see up close, and he's got a great opportunity here to make an impact for us. I'm excited to see what he's going to do this spring and just messaged to him, 'Work on your defense. Make sure that defensive versatility is there. We know you can hit, go have fun.'"

Estevan Florial looking to make second chance count in outfield battle with Guardians this spring

The Guardians dealt right-handed pitcher Cody Morris to the New York Yankees for outfielder Estevan Florial over the offseason.

The Guardians at one time liked Morris, but injuries had derailed his career in the majors, and he was falling behind in the pecking order. The Yankees at one time liked Florial, a former top-100 pick, but his contact rate seemed to plummet when he reached the majors.

Both needed a change of scenery. And, now, Florial has a chance to compete for the job in centerfield along with Myles Straw and potentially a few others.

Florial is out of options, so if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster at all, he'll have to be put on waivers. Straw spent the offseason trying to bulk up a bit and swing with more "intent," according to Valaika. But if he doesn't make strides offensively, it could open the door for more opportunities for Florial — assuming his own swing changes and contact rate improve.

Florial hit 28 home runs and stole 25 bases in Triple-A last season. There's plenty to like, and it's easy to see how he was once ranked as a top-100 prospect. But he's also struck out 41 times in 115 big league at-bats.

He has one more chance to stick in the majors with the Guardians.

Chase DeLauter looks to step up 2024 season with big spring training with Guardians

Injuries delayed the start to Chase DeLauter's minor league career. He has only one season, 214 at-bats and 57 games under his belt. But he's certainly made every one of them count.

DeLauter was promoted multiple times in 2023, eventually reaching Double-A. He obliterated minor league pitching, hitting a combined .335/.417/.528.

DeLauter is an above-average athlete with a strong arm who could be a real asset in the outfield. At the plate, he has solid contact skills, and it remains to be seen how much power he can eventually generate.

He's one of the Guardians' top five prospects and was ranked No. 81 across baseball by Law. He likely won't be a factor for the Opening Day roster considering he's played only six games in Double-A, but with a long-term view in mind, he's one of the prospects to watch. Eventually, he should play a major role in the Guardians' outfield outlook.

He also just absolutely crushed a ball in spring training on Tuesday.

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Threads at @ByRyanLewis.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians spring training: Players to watch include Carrasco, Rocchio