13676
by civ ollilavad
Article
Minors
Alfonsin Rosario Makes Positive First Impression With Guardians
When the Guardians traded Eli Morgan to the Cubs last November to clear a 40-man roster spot, they acquired Low-A outfielder Alfonsin Rosario in exchange.
In his first season in his new organization, Rosario hit the ground running.
The 21-year-old batted .306/.359/.583 with five home runs and four stolen bases in 18 April games for High-A Lake County.
“He is a physical presence at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds,” Guardians assistant GM James Harris said, “and has the athleticism to play all three outfield positions.”
The Cubs drafted Rosario in the sixth round in 2023 out of P27 Academy in Lexington, S.C. He grew up in the Dominican Republic but moved to to the U.S. at age 16 to play baseball, initially in Boston. Last year at Low-A Myrtle Beach, he hit 16 home runs and stole 20 stolen bases in 109 games.
He struck out 32% of the time in his final year as a Cubs prospect, but he tightened up his zone this spring and had lowered his strikeout rate to 18%.
“As a hitter, he hits the ball hard consistently, and so far this season he has reduced his strikeouts,” Harris said. “He continues to challenge himself with hitting coach Odomar Valdez. “On the bases, he has the speed to be a threat, and looks to stretch the extra 90 (feet).”
Rosario has played center field and right field this season but probably profiles best on a corner. “His speed, first-step quickness and arm strength are all traits that stand out,” Harris said.
Changing organizations early in one’s career can be a challenge, but Rosario seems to have made a smooth transition to his new surroundings.
“In his short time in our organization, he has worked to get to know his teammates, and lean on his coaches and staff for support,” Harris said.