Of the Cleveland Guardians’ first five draft picks on Sunday, four were big-frame power hitters.
They were attacking an organizational need with Jace LaViolette, Dean Curley, Aaron Walton, and Nolan Schubart.
However, with their Competitive Balance Round B pick, the Guardians selected right-hander Will Hynes out of Lorne Park in Ontario (No. 70).
The Guardians have solid pitching across the organization, but can’t just forget about replenishing their depth chart just because they have a bigger need at the moment.
That’s why they decided to take a shot on Hynes, who is just 18 and has a bright future ahead of him.
Guardians writer and prospects expert Justin Lada had nothing but good things to say about him and went as far as to call him one of his favorite picks of the draft so far.
“Have to say, Will Hynes might be my favorite pick by Cleveland tonight. It might cost some money to get him away from Wake Forest. He still has some physical projection remaining. Looks like an easy operation, younger in age, high spin, and some strike throwing,” he posted on X.
Have to say, Will Hynes might be my favorite pick by Cleveland tonight. Might cost some money to get him away from Wake Forest. Still some physical projection remaining. Looks like an easy operation, younger in age, high spin and some strike throwing
— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) July 14, 2025
Signing Hynes might require a sizable bonus, but he’s very much worth the money and the effort.
He is already throwing his fastball in the 94-95 mph range with some run and sink.
Remember, he still has some growing to do, so that number will likely increase.
Hynes also throws, per MLB Pipeline, “a high-spin slider” that will register 2,700 rpm and can earn him whiffs, and a changeup that is ‘a bit behind’ the other two offerings.
If Cleveland can sign Hynes, he represents a high-upside arm in a system that has more high-floor, low-ceiling types at the moment.
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