On Thursday, the rosters for the 2022 MLB All-Star Futures game were announced. The game features many of the most talented players in the minor leagues, and among the participants in July 16th's exhibition at Dodger Stadium are two Guardians prospects: 21-year old outfielder George Valera and 20-year old infielder Jhonkensy Noel.
Valera, who's spent all season at Double-A Akron, is hitting .285 with 14 doubles, three triples, 13 HR, and 50 RBI. The 56 runs scored he's scored – in 70 games – leads the Eastern League. Valera's also tied for third in the league in RBI, fourth in hits, and fifth in walks. MLB Pipeline considers the outfielder to be the best prospect in the Astros' organization.
Noel recently joined Valera at Double-A Akron, being promoted on June 24. This year, he's split his time between High-A Lake County and Akron, hitting .226 with 10 doubles, 24 homers, and 49 RBI in 69 games. He's currently tied for first in home runs across all of Minor League Baseball, and has ten more than any one else in Cleveland's minor league system. He also currently leads the system in extra base hits and slugging percentage.
