Jhonkensy Noel Makes Major Changes To Batting Approach

The Cleveland Guardians need to find more firepower at the plate.

There have been multiple rumors about the team’s potential targets in the offseason.

However, given the way the front office has operated more often than not, it’s hard to believe they’re going to make a big splash.

With that in mind, chances are that they’re hoping that the reinforcements will come from inside the building.

Considering that, Jhonkensy Noel might still be a big part of their plans.

That could be a positive thing if he continues to make the necessary adjustments to his game.

According to a report by Tommy Wild of Roundtable, Noel has been trying out a different stance in Winter Ball, and it’s certainly helping his case:

“During the 2025 MLB season, Noel clearly had his hands tucked back, low, and close to his hips. It was always an awkward decision, but it was working for him in the minors, so there was no need to change anything. However, Noel hasn’t been able to find consistent success in the big leagues, so it was time for a change. The 24-year-old is rocking a new stance in Winter League play, and now his hands are much higher up before the initial load up. Theoretically, this change could help Noel be more precise with his swing path and generate more contact, which is something Noel must improve at, considering he had a 34.7 percent whiff-rate and a 34 percent strikeout rate at the MLB level in 2025,” Wild wrote.

Noel entered the season with high hopes and expectations.

He had been one of the biggest talking points of the playoffs, and he looked poised to take on a bigger role and was a potential breakout candidate.

That clearly wasn’t the case at all, and he was even optioned back to Triple-A Columbus at one point in the season.

Then again, he’s still pretty young, and he’s shown his impressive power and talent.

He’s the type of player who’s worth keeping around and giving another chance to.

So long as he continues to put in the work and show that he’s willing to be coached and determined to be better, there’s no reason not to be optimistic about him as a big bounce-back candidate for the next season.