Guardians predicted to replace Lane Thomas with ACC star

The 2025 MLB Draft begins tomorrow evening. All 30 front offices are looking for the franchise’s future stars that will help their teams take the next step, or in the case of top teams, stay at the top of the league.

The Cleveland Guardians have the No. 27 pick in this year’s draft. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report put out his final mock draft before the first round begins tomorrow afternoon. With the 27th pick, Reuter believes the Guardians will take Cam Cannarella, an outfielder out of Clemson.

“Cam Cannarella checks the contact-oriented box with a 55-grade hit tool, and he adds secondary appeal as a sure-fire center fielder with Gold Glove potential. He hit .360/.453/.551 in 865 plate appearances during his three years at Clemson, and offers enough potential value to overlook his limited power,” Reuter said.

Cannarella can be the player of the future who drives the offense in Cleveland. Though Reuter mentions his lack of power, his contact hitting is among the best in this year’s class. Reuter even compares Cannarella to current Guardian left fielder Steven Kwan, who is already among one of the more dangerous hitters in the AL.

Cannarella would likely replace current center fielder Lane Thomas. Thomas is struggling this year as he is batting just .160 with only four home runs and 11 RBIs. At 29-years-old, by the time Cannarella makes his way to the majors, Cleveland will be ready to replace Thomas’ role with a younger player like the three-time All-ACC selection.