George Valera's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect George Valera (knee) was diagnosed with a patellar tendon rupture in his right knee. Valera will have surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be out for six to nine months. It's a tough break for the team's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old spent the entire year at Triple-A Columbus, slashing .248/.337/.452 with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games. He was placed on the seven-day injured list at Columbus last Friday due to the serious injury. Even if Valera avoids any setbacks during his rehab this winter, there's a good chance he won't be ready to go for the start of spring training next February. Valera missed time in 2023 as well with wrist and hamstring injuries while also serving a short suspension. The left-handed-hitting outfielder offers 30-homer upside at the next level.

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect George Valera went 3-for-4 with a home run in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader. Valera has begun to find his footing at Triple-A in June after getting off to a slow start in May. Through June, the 23-year-old has held a .253/.333/.446 slash line with four home runs, 16 RBI, and two stolen bases. In May, Valera posted a much lower .214/.327/.381 line with just three home runs and nine RBI. In addition, Valera is on pace to set career-highs in all major batting statistics at Triple-A this season compared to his previous stints at Triple-A, which suggests he could be fast approaching his major league debut. Valera could become an interesting stash candidate in deeper leagues if he continues to showcase his power and quality hitting skills.