Scouting Cleveland Guardians Huge Rookie Reliever, Franco Aleman

BusinessSportsMoneyScouting Cleveland Guardians Huge Rookie Reliever, Franco AlemanByBernie Pleskoff,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bernie Pleskoff is a former professional Major League Baseball scout Follow AuthorMay 12, 2026, 02:15am EDTCLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 10: Pitcher Franco Aleman #55 of the Cleveland Guardians makes his Major League debut during the seventh inning of the team's game against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on May 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images)Getty ImagesOn May 8, 2026, the Cleveland Guardians promoted right-handed reliever, Franco Aleman from Triple-A Columbus.Aleman, who turns 26 in June, replaced Connor Brogdon on the Guardians roster. Brogdon was designated for assignment.Aleman’s last name is pronounced ah-leh-MAHN.At 6-6, 235 pound, Aleman is an imposing presence on the mound.A native of Yaguajay, Cuba, Aleman lived in Tampa, Florida, and went to the University of Florida.Aleman and his family defected to the United States when Aleman was 11-years-old.The Atlanta Braves drafted Aleman in the 38th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, out of Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa. He chose to attend college.According to baseballreference.com, the (then) Cleveland Indians selected Aleman in the 10th round of the 2021 draft, out of the University of Florida.Aleman first attended Florida International University, transferred to St. Johns River State College, and ended up at University of Florida.Scouts also saw Aleman in the Cape Cod Baseball League.MORE FOR YOUThe Guardians gave Aleman a $175,000 signing bonus, which could become quite a bargain.Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Franco Aleman, just called up from the minors, speaks with reporters before a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Phil Long)Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved....