Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Franco Aleman, 25-year-old Cuban-born right-handed reliever, was promoted by the Cleveland Guardians from Triple-A Columbus for his MLB debut on May 8, 2026. The 6'6", 235-pound pitcher had a dominant start in Triple-A with a 0.00 ERA over 12 innings, 18 strikeouts, and only 4 walks. He made his MLB debut on May 10, 2026, pitching 2 scoreless innings with a strikeout and reaching 99 mph. A 10th-round pick in 2021 from the University of Florida, Aleman is a two-pitch reliever featuring a high-velocity fastball (96-99 mph) and slider (85.6 mph). He has overcome previous injuries including a lat strain in 2024 and hernia surgery in 2025.
Strengths
- + Dominant Triple-A performance: 0.00 ERA over 12 innings with 18 strikeouts
- + Impressive fastball velocity: 96-99 mph with excellent command
- + Excellent strikeout rate: 40.9% whiff rate in Triple-A
- + Low walk rate: 9.1% in Triple-A
- + Successful MLB debut: 2 scoreless innings with strikeout
- + Two-pitch reliever with clear pitch effectiveness
- + Overcame significant injuries to reach MLB
- + Emotional milestone: 405th Cuban-born player to reach MLB
- + Manager Stephen Vogt expressed excitement about his potential
- + Converted all three save opportunities in Triple-A
About
Alejandro Melean is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs