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Just over a year ago, the Cleveland Guardians optioned Brayan Rocchio to Triple-A after a disastrous start to the season at the plate. Cleveland recalled Rocchio on July 1 amid an ankle injury to Gabriel Arias, and the rest is history.
Since then, Rocchio has truly turned his career around, and through the first half of 2026, has looked like one of the top shortstops in the American League on both defense and offense.
As All-Star voting is underway, fans, players, and the commissioner's office determine who will be participating in the Midsummer Classic, Rocchio is putting together quite a compelling argument and resume to be the starting shortstop for the American League in Philadelphia this year.
Looking at the offense numbers first, Rocchio has objectively been one of the top offense players at his position all year long.
Heading into Saturday’s action, Rocchio’s 124 wRC+ ranked second among AL shortstops (minimum 100 PA), only trailing Seattle Mariners’ JP Crawford (127), who is currently on the injured list with a hand injury.
Yes, Rocchio has a better wRC+ than some of MLB’s top young players, and former All-Stars, such as Jermey Pena (120), Bobby Witt Jr. (118), and Gunnar Henderson (98).
Now, Roccihio does fall behind in some of the power metrics. Witt and Colson Montgomery have the Guardians’ shortstop beat in OPS, with Rocchio’s currently at .794.
Still, the point stands: Rocchio has been on par with some of the top offensive players at his position.
Jun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) reacts after throwing out New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
While offense is important, shortstop is also one of the most important defensive positions on the field. In terms of run prevention, Rocchio has been one of the best, too.
Cleveland’s shortstop currently ranks in the 80th percentile in outs above average and the 74th percentile in fielding run value. That said, this is where Witt will likely gain the edge, as he remains a generational defender on the infield.
Time will tell if Rocchio gets to represent the Guardians and the American League in the All-Star Game this year.
Even if he doesn’t get that opportunity, his stats almost halfway through the 2026 season are proof that he’s locked up Cleveland’s shortstop for years to come.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guaridans. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
Since then, Rocchio has truly turned his career around, and through the first half of 2026, has looked like one of the top shortstops in the American League on both defense and offense.
As All-Star voting is underway, fans, players, and the commissioner's office determine who will be participating in the Midsummer Classic, Rocchio is putting together quite a compelling argument and resume to be the starting shortstop for the American League in Philadelphia this year.
Looking at the offense numbers first, Rocchio has objectively been one of the top offense players at his position all year long.
Heading into Saturday’s action, Rocchio’s 124 wRC+ ranked second among AL shortstops (minimum 100 PA), only trailing Seattle Mariners’ JP Crawford (127), who is currently on the injured list with a hand injury.
Yes, Rocchio has a better wRC+ than some of MLB’s top young players, and former All-Stars, such as Jermey Pena (120), Bobby Witt Jr. (118), and Gunnar Henderson (98).
Now, Roccihio does fall behind in some of the power metrics. Witt and Colson Montgomery have the Guardians’ shortstop beat in OPS, with Rocchio’s currently at .794.
Still, the point stands: Rocchio has been on par with some of the top offensive players at his position.
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Jun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) reacts after throwing out New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
While offense is important, shortstop is also one of the most important defensive positions on the field. In terms of run prevention, Rocchio has been one of the best, too.
Cleveland’s shortstop currently ranks in the 80th percentile in outs above average and the 74th percentile in fielding run value. That said, this is where Witt will likely gain the edge, as he remains a generational defender on the infield.
Time will tell if Rocchio gets to represent the Guardians and the American League in the All-Star Game this year.
Even if he doesn’t get that opportunity, his stats almost halfway through the 2026 season are proof that he’s locked up Cleveland’s shortstop for years to come.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guaridans. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
