George Valera DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect George Valera (knee) participated in live batting practice earlier in the week. Valera is expected to begin defensive drills during the first week of March. The 24-year-old has been running and throwing for some time but finally returned to the batting cage. He is still recovering from knee surgery, which he underwent in September, but is nearing his return to full activities. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could make his spring debut in early March if he does not face a setback. Last season, the 24-year-old was given his second extended look at Triple-A and held a .248/.337/.452 line with 15 doubles and 17 home runs. He swiped six bags and held a 45:101 BB:K ratio. While he will likely open the season with Triple-A Columbus, a strong start could open the door for a 2025 MLB debut.

Cleveland Guardians outfielder George Valera (knee) is 19 weeks removed from surgery on his right knee patellar tendon and has been able to successfully add throwing and hitting to his rehab progression. He is taking soft toss and is throwing out to 75 feet. Valera is expected to begin running on the field this week at spring training and is expected to take batting practice next week, progressing to defensive drills by March. There's no timetable for when the 24-year-old will be able to play in games, but whenever he is ready, the full expectation is that he'll open the 2025 season at Triple-A Columbus. Valera has yet to make his major-league debut in Cleveland and managed a .248/.337/.452 slash line with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games for Columbus last season.

The Cleveland Guardians re-signed outfielder George Valera (knee) to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training next year. Valera was non-tendered by the team last Friday but quickly has rejoined the organization. The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee in September and therefore will probably be unavailable for the start of spring training and the start of next season. In all likelihood, he will be assigned to Triple-A Columbus in 2025 when he's fully recovered from his knee surgery. Valera spent the entire 2024 season at Columbus, slashing .248/.337/.452 with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games and 374 trips to the plate. He sports a .243/.358/.452 career slash line with 80 homers and 273 RBI in his six minor-league seasons.