By J.Y. Mortimer
The Columbus Clippers, Triple‐A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, named shortstop Brayan Rocchio as the 2023 “Clipper of the Year”.
Rocchio is currently rated by MLB.com as the top prospect in the Cleveland organization. In his first full season at the Triple‐A level, the 22‐year‐old has played in 116 games in a Clippers uniform. He leads the club in batting average, hits, doubles, triples, stolen bases, and on‐base percentage. The team’s switch‐hitting leadoff batter also manned arguably the most important position on the field defensively, with a fielding percentage of .970 at shortstop. Rocchio also saw time at second and third base.
The Venezuelan native was originally signed by Cleveland as a non‐drafted free agent in 2017. He first reached the Triple‐A level in August of 2022, ultimately seeing time in 33 games for the Clippers last season. This year Rocchio is among the top ten in the International League in both doubles and triples.
“Brayan had an outstanding season for the Clippers, and also made quite an impression in Cleveland for the time he got to spend there,” said Ken Schnacke, Columbus Clippers president and general manager. “He has shown great hustle both offensively and defensively, and he should have a very bright future with the Guardians for years to come.”
On May 6, Rocchio delivered a walk‐off winning hit to propel the Clippers past Iowa 4‐3 in extra innings. 10 days later he made his Major League debut for the Guardians and promptly collected his first hit.
COURTESY COLUMBUS CLIPPERS COMMUNICATIONS
