Angel Genao: Everything you need to know

The Guardians promoted Genao from Double-A Akron to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. After posting a .682 OPS over 77 games with Akron in 2025, Genao improved that mark by more than 100 points this season to earn the bump up to Triple-A. The 21-year-old shortstop hasn't displayed much growth in the power department, but he's made stark improvement with his plate discipline. He walked in 21.6 percent of his 105 plate appearances in 2026, well above the 8.6 percent walk rate he posted a season ago.

The Guardians optioned Genao to minor-league camp Monday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. Genao nabbed a spot on the Guardians' 40-man roster this offseason, but he was always destined to head back to the minors for more seasoning. The 21-year-old infielder was limited by a shoulder injury last season, but he's healthy now and should begin the year back at Double-A Akron.

Genao showed more full extension on his swings while with Aquilas in the Dominican Winter League, Keith Law of The Athletic reports. Genao suffered a right shoulder injury during spring training last year, and the effects of the injury lingered throughout the regular season. After a boffo 2024, the 21-year-old shortstop dropped to a .259/.323/.359 slash line over 77 games at Double-A Akron. In winter ball, Genao improved to .325/.387/.386 over 26 games for Aquilas, suggesting he regained strength and confidence in the shoulder. He might eventually move to second base in the majors, but his improved defense at Akron in 2025 suggest shortstop is still a possibility. Genao's a bounce-back candidate for 2026 and expected to reach Triple-A Columbus.