Cleveland Baseball Insider

Guardians Prospect George Valera Breaks Down His Mindset In The Box

Cleveland Guardians prospect George Valera has plenty of confidence no matter who's pitching to him.

Tommy Wild

In this story:

Cleveland Guardians fans are eager to see what George Valera can do at the Big League level. He's made a name for himself in the minors as a power-hitting lefty who is a threat to launch a home run at any time. 

There's no doubt that Valera is physically talented and has a ton of potential. But the other half of the formula to being a successful Big League hitter is having a positive mindset. He isn't lacking this either.

In an interview with MLB.com's Jesse Borek, Valera broke down what he's thinking when he steps into the box. He said,

“When I’m in the box, I don’t care who you are,” Valera said. “I’m going to compete and I’m going to try to beat you. It doesn’t matter if you’re my mom or my dad, I’m going to try my best.

“I don’t really see it as Major League or Minor League pitchers. I just see it as competition and somebody I got to beat right now.”

Akron RubberDucks right fielder George Valera (13) hits a shot to left field for a single during the fourth inning of an MiLB baseball game against the Altoona Curve at Canal Park on Wednesday. Duckscurve 5 © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

This is exactly what a prospect needs to be thinking as they're on their journey to MLB. Valera is trying to make the most of any opportunity he is given whether that's in the minors, Spring Training, or winter league. 

He certainly has made the most of each of these opportunities. Over Valera's four-year MiLB career, he has a batting average of .248 and an OPS of .834. Last season he hit 15 home runs over 90 games. In the 42 games he appeared with Triple-A Columbus, the lefty hit nine home runs. 

If he continues to shine in the chances he's given then it'll be no time before we see him playing at Progressive Field. 

-----

Read More:

WATCH: Jose Ramirez Goes Deep In Spring Training Batting Practice

Terry Francona Injures Himself Preparing For Speech

Relive Jason Kipnis' Career Highlights As The Cleveland Legend Announces Retirement

Guardians Reveal Pitching Rotation For First Four Spring Training Games

Multiple Guardians Prospects To Miss Significant Time With Injury

Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time!

SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel

Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation

Published
Tommy Wild
TOMMY WILD

Home/Prospects