WATCH: Guardians slugger Brayan Rocchio smokes his first big league home run on Friday against Marlins
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio has been developing at the plate with each passing game. Heading into Friday, he had yet to hit his first big-league home run, but that quickly changed.
Rocchio took Miami Marlins starter Ryan Weathers deep for his first MLB home run. It was a two-run shot, giving his club the early 2-0 lead. Weathers was then pulled, lasting only 2.1 innings.
Watch the clip below:
This home run could be just what Rocchio needed. While in his first full season in the big leagues, he still has not been able to put it together fully at the plate. Going into Friday's matchup with Miami, Rocchio was hitting .211.
Even with Rocchio still figuring it out at the plate, Cleveland has been one of baseball's best. They sit atop the American League Central with a record of 40-21. If their shortstop can start heating up at the plate, this will be a team to watch out for.
Taking a closer look at Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio
Brayan Rocchio was signed as an international free agent back in 2017 as a 17-year-old. He made his Dominican Summer League debut with the Guardians during the 2018 season.
It did not take him long to move up in the minors, and he was selected to Cleveland's 40-man roster during the 2021 season. He would then make his big league debut last year, getting his first hit against the Chicago White Sox.
According to The Athletic, Rocchio came into the season as Cleveland's top prospect. He is regarded as a true switch hitter and has an excellent feel for the strike zone.
With Rocchio starting to make a name for himself, trading Francisco Lindor away to the New York Mets does not sting as much. The shortstop position is in good hands.