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LaViolette will make the jump to the Double-A level after posting a .238 average with 19 home runs, 69 RBI, 67 runs scored and 11 stolen bases over 332 at-bats in 83 contests with High-A Lake County this season. The 22-year-old was selected 27th overall by Cleveland in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft, and he'll now have the chance to prove himself against tougher competition.
Though LaViolette hasn't been taking part in spring training with the big club, the Guardians opted to bring him aboard for Saturday's game to serve as an extra option in the outfield. A first-round pick in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft, LaViolette didn't see any game action after being selected last summer while he recovered from a cleanup procedure on his left hand, but he appears to be heading into 2026 with a clean bill of health. The 22-year-old outfielder is likely to open the season at Single-A Hill City.
The 21-year-old LaViolette was selected 27th overall by the Guardians out of Texas A&M in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft. He had surgery for a broken hand suffered earlier this year in the SEC Tournament but was able to play for the Aggies in the quarterfinals against LSU. The Guardians are pleased with the progress of the hand, and LaViolette is expected to attend the organization's player development complex in Arizona later this summer.
LaViolette came into his junior year at Texas A&M with a chance to go 1-1, but he hit .258 with a 25.2 percent strikeout rate after hitting .305 with a 24.3 percent strikeout rate as a sophomore. While LaViolette makes decent swing decisions, he had a 74.7 percent contact rate and whiffed in the zone more than the typical first-rounder. The lefty-hitting 6-foot-6 outfielder moves well for his size, but he's expected to end up in an outfield corner, which will put more pressure on his hit tool. LaViolette showcased his power potential by setting an Aggies record with 21 homers as a freshman and by slashing .305/.449/.726 with 29 homers as a sophomore. His name value and power potential will get him drafted in the first few rounds of dynasty first-year player drafts, but the realistic ceiling is Matt Wallner and the floor is a player who doesn't make enough contact to reach the majors.