GLENDALE, AZ: Welbyn Francisca of the Cleveland Guardians bats for the Surprise Saguaros against the Glendale Desert Dogs in a 2026 Arizona Fall League game at Camelback Ranch on Oct. 15, 2026. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Watch shortstop Welbyn Francisca in a Cleveland Guardians uniform hit from either side of the plate and you immediately think of Francisco Lindor.

Before the 2026 Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game, I asked the 20-year-old prospect who his favorite player was as a boy growing up in the Dominican Republic. “Francisco Lindor,” he said.

Daniel Robertson, his manager this fall with the Surprise Saguaros, said, “Yeah, you see that. But … I think he’s more Roberto Alomar.”

Whoa!

Alomar is considered by many the best all-around second baseman in history. His Hall of Fame plaque in Cooperstown, NY tells it all.

Cleveland fans enjoyed Alomar’s play for the final three (1999-2001) of his 12 consecutive All-Star seasons. It was the finest stretch of his career, as Alomar averaged 21 homers, 38 doubles, 103 RBI, 122 runs and 35 stolen bases while playing his usual Gold Glove defense.

Cleveland management has tried to get as many Alomar-type infielders as possible ever since. The parade of switch-hitters wearing a Cleveland uniform in an MLB All-Star game the past 25 years includes Omar Vizquel, Asdrubal Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Carlos Santana, Lindor, and Jose Ramirez, who is on his way to breaking most of the franchise’s offensive records.

Young switch-hitters Bryan Rocchio, Angel Martinez and Angel Genao have begun making their MLB marks the past couple seasons.

Robertson says make way for Francisca.

“There is a smoothness to his game where like no moment is too big for him, ever,” said Robertson, the Triple-A Columbus (OH) Clippers’ bench coach who played briefly for four MLB teams including Cleveland a decade ago.

"I think the longevity piece will be at second base. I think he can play short as long as he wants to, but I think that if you put him at second and stick him in the No. 2 or 3 hole and just let him hit for 15 years it’s going to be special.

"Then you just go coach the guys that need pushing.

“I don’t know if he has it all figured out yet, but he’s just a baby at 20. He has the mindset, the moxie, to take the lessons that the game itself gives you, adjust and move forward.”

Francisca’s Approach

In only 16 games this fall, Francisca leads the AFL in multiple categories: 31 hits, .417 average, 28 RBI, 53 total bases, .716 slugging percentage, and 1,199 OPS.

He went 5-for-5 with a double, homer, three runs and three RBI on October 3.

“Just having fun and trying to learn every day,” he said through an interpreter.

A recent example was when he made a poor decision in the field, swatting at a ball hit directly at him in an effort to try and turn a double play. The ball went under his glove and put runners on second and third instead, leading to an opposing team rally.

At the end of the inning, Robertson walked from his spot in the third-base coaching box and spoke with Francisca going off the field.

“I just said, or tried in my best Spanglish, to tell him to relax on those plays and not try to do too much,” Robertson revealed. “He agreed. He knew he had to make sure to get one out there. He’s very mature and very coachable.”

Francisca made a nice play in the Fall Stars game Sunday night. Before the game, he credited his dad for everything he is as a ballplayer.

“I play baseball because of my father,” Francisca said. “He played the game and taught me so much. Especially my love of baseball.”

Francisca was aware that several teams, including Cleveland, were scouting him as a teen and said he really did not have a favorite. “I didn’t pick them, they picked me. And I’m happy."

The Guardians signed him for $1.375 million at age 16 in January 2023. The six-foot, 180-pounder made an immediate impact by going 5-for-7 with a homer, triple, five runs and three RBI in his first pro game in the Dominican Summer League. Overall that summer he hit .316 with 16 extra-base hits in 40 games.

In 2024, he hit .326 with 27 extra-base hits in 74 games over two levels before being slowed by a shoulder injury in 2025. Francisca hit only .229 at Class A Lynchburg in 98 games, but had 45 stolen bases.

“I’m fine now,” he said. “I can throw. I love to show my arm from shortstop.”

In 2026 across three levels, he batted .272 with 19 homers in 79 games. That included an inside-the-park homer for the High-A Lake County Captains.

He hit it from the left side, where he has yet to distinguish himself on the pro level. That has begun to change this fall. He recently had four hits and four RBI in a game. Three of the hits, including a homer, were from the left side.

“I feel equally comfortable from either side but think I am a better overall hitter from the left side,” he said. Stats show otherwise as he has had four times as many at-bats from the right side, going 250-for 885, .282 and as a lefty 57-for-225, .253.

“I keep constant routines,” Francisca said. “I believe that’s important to better success. I try to control emotions. That is sometimes tough when you love to play."

Richard Conway, the Guardians’ director of international scouting, proudly agrees.

"It’s been fun to see Welbyn grow and have success the last few years,” Conway told Jesse Borek of MLB.com late last month. “He’s worked really hard to build consistent routines to pair with his tools, and we’re excited to see him develop in all areas. He’s got the potential to be an impact player.”

Francisca’s strong arms and wrists generate incredible bat speed, yet he remains a fairly patient hitter who will draw walks.

Francisca’s Future

Robertson may have over-stated his forecast, but he’s in good company. Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson was famous for projecting prospects with sometimes unrealistically lofty praise.

Francisca is unquestionably an athlete and impressive hitter. He’ll likely open 2027 at Double-A Akron with an impressive group of prospects. Ultimately it will be his performance that influence’s the organization’s decision as to which position the young talent will play.

If Francisca is indeed the best of their gaggle of switch-hitting infielders, the Cleveland Guardians and their fans will be delighted.