Brayan Rocchio, Guardians Infielder: Most Interesting People 2026 

Why He’s Interesting: In each of the past two postseasons, Brayan Rocchio — normally a light-hitting middle infielder — has come on strong, with key home runs against the Tigers in last year’s Wild Card Series and the Yankees in the 2024 American League Championship Series. Rocchio’s postseason statistics track well above his regular season numbers. 

Bouncing Back: Last year’s accomplishments for Rocchio were especially sweet. The start of the year was a rough one for him, necessitating his being sent down to the Guardians’ Triple-A affiliate in Columbus. But he bounced back and was a key part of the team’s stretch run to win its unprecedented 13th American League Central Division title. “I needed the time and space to get down there and work on it and help the team at the end of the season.” 

“The Professor”: Rocchio got the nickname from the scout who signed him as a 17-year-old in his native Venezuela. “I’m not sure why, but I think in his report on me, he highlighted my high baseball IQ.” 

Major Comeback: In the history of major league baseball, no team has ever come from as far back as the 2025 Guardians did — 15.5 games back in July and 10.5 games back in September — to win a division title. 

“Playoff Rocchio”: Rocchio laughs at the nickname he’s been given for his October output but can’t deny that he locks in for the postseason. “I always try to have the fire and the same approach, but whenever the situation gets bigger and bigger, I’m able to focus more on the little things.” 

Offseason Plans: Rocchio, who is 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, is working on his physique in the offseason to help withstand the grind of a 162-game season. “Nobody knows how short the offseason is.” 

Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>

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