Guardians sign Italian RHP to minor league contract

The signing reflects Cleveland’s long-standing confidence in its development infrastructure. After previously sitting in the low 90s, publicly shared training data shows the pitcher reaching the upper 90s in recent sessions.

The Guardians’ minor league deal replaces an offseason agreement the right-hander had reached with an independent league club in Illinois, returning him to affiliated baseball with an organization widely respected for refining raw pitching talent.

International pitching prospects, particularly from Italy, remain rare, making Giulianelli a unique addition. His unconventional background, paired with a recent velocity surge, presents a low-risk opportunity for Cleveland to evaluate his potential as either a starter or reliever.

Cleveland’s pitching development system has produced consistent results over the past decade, and the front office has shown a willingness to invest in unconventional profiles. Giulianelli is expected to report to the team’s development complex during spring training before receiving a full-season assignment.

For the Guardians, the move represents another calculated gamble aligned with their broader philosophy. If the velocity gains carry over into game action, Giulianelli could quickly emerge as one of the system’s more fascinating arms.