Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

Francisca is not the biggest prospect in the class, but he has a huge upside.

Scouts note his advanced hitting abilities -- he has a chance to be a plus hitter -- and advanced run times. The switch-hitting teen has also impressed evaluators with his plus instincts and great makeup. The twitchy athlete is at shortstop now, but might be better suited for second base because of skill set and average arm.

There’s a chance he will develop some power because of his bat speed, but home runs are not expected to be a consistent part of his game. Speed is part of his game, and he could develop into a base-stealer in the future. Francisca trains out of the HYL Baseball Academy. The Guardians have shown interest in him.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

The Guardians collect switch-hitting infielders with advanced hitting skills, so it was no surprise they gave the largest bonus in their 2023 international class to someone fitting that profile. After signing for $1,375,000 out of the Dominican Republic, Francisca broke into pro ball by going 5-for-7 with a homer, triple, five runs and three RBIs in his first pro game in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. He batted .316/.419/.500 with three home runs and 11 steals in his 40-game debut.

Francisco exhibits feel for the barrel from both sides of the plate, allowing him to barrel balls repeatedly. Though he got a bit pull-heavy in his debut, he's a fairly patient hitter who will work counts and draw walks. He's undersized but his bat speed and aptitude for turning on and lifting pitches should translate into 15 or more homers per season once he adds some strength.

Francisco has average to solid speed and plays quicker than that thanks to his instincts and aggressiveness. He has similar arm strength and a chance to stick at shortstop, where he has good actions, range to both sides and sure hands. If he loses a half-step as he matures physically, he'll probably wind up at second base.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45 

Francisca received the largest bonus in Cleveland's 2023 international class, signing for $1,375,000 out of the Dominican Republic. Known for his hitting prowess, he immediately showed it off by going 5-for-7 with a home run, a triple, five runs and three RBIs in his first pro game in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. He has continued to rake throughout the season. 

Though he's not very big, Francisca has a knack for making hard contact from both sides of the plate. He has a pull-heavy approach yet still manages to barrel the ball repeatedly and draws his share of walks. His combination of hitting ability and bat speed could produce 15-20 homers per season. 

An average runner, Francisca plays quicker than his pure speed because of his instincts and aggressive nature on the bases. He has a chance to stick at shortstop, where he shows some range to both sides and solid arm strength. If he winds up moving, he should be able to fit the offensive and defensive profile at either second or third base.

Awards

ACL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

CAR Player of the Week

Week	Team
08/11/2024

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/29/2024	SS Welbyn Francisca assigned to Lynchburg Hillcats from ACL Guardians.
	05/03/2024	SS Welbyn Francisca assigned to ACL Guardians from DSL CLE Mendoza.
	07/29/2023	DSL AL All-Stars activated SS Welbyn Francisca.
	06/03/2023	SS Welbyn Francisca assigned to DSL Guardians Blue.
	01/15/2023	Cleveland Guardians signed free agent SS Welbyn Francisca to a minor league contract.