The Cleveland Guardians today announced the selection of C RALPHY VELAZQUEZ with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft.

Velazquez, 18, is a 6-2, 235-pound left-handed hitting catcher out of Huntington Beach, California where he attended Huntington Beach High School and played for the Oilers. The catcher led his team to a National High School Invitational title in the Spring. He finished with 23 home runs in his high school career and led his team to a 21-9 record during his senior season, batting .402 (37-for-92) with 6 home runs, 8 doubles, a triple, and 5 stolen bases this spring.

Velazquez joins former Huntington Beach High School products Nick Pratto (2017) and Hank Conger (2006) as first-round picks out of the Oilers program. The power bat is currently committed to Arizona State University.

COURTESY INDIANS MEDIA RELATIONS; COURTESY MLBpressbox.com