The Cleveland Guardians have not made a significant addition to their lineup this offseason. In fact, they have now lost a once-heralded hitting prospect.
After acquiring relief pitcher Justin Bruihl from the Toronto Blue Jays in mid-December, the Guardians needed to make room on their roster. In the corresponding move, outfielder Jhonkensy Noel was designated for assignment.
Now, Noel will be headed elsewhere, as the former Guardians hitter has been claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.
“Cleveland Guardians OF/1B Jhonkensy Noel has been claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. Noel reconnects with former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.
Cleveland #Guardians OF/1B Jhonkensy Noel has been claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.
Noel recconects with former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 5, 2026
The player known as “Big Christmas” hit one of the most memorable home runs in Cleveland franchise history. Facing the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the 2024 ALCS, Noel delivered a game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, and the Guardians went on to win in extra innings.
Unfortunately, it was the only victory for Cleveland. New York won the next two to take the best-of-7 series in five games.
It also turned out to be the beginning of the end for Noel with the Guardians. A longtime prospect who was signed in 2017 as an international free agent, his power potential was seen as crucial to improving the Guardians’ offense.
He finally made his MLB debut in 2024, and he hit 13 home runs in just 198 regular-season plate appearances. However, he managed just six homers in 2025, and his strikeout rate proved to be a lingering issue.
Noel will be reunited with Albernaz, who was hired to be the Orioles’ manager in October. Baltimore has been adding power since then, acquiring Pete Alonso from the New York Mets as a free agent and outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Guardians will enter spring training with a new-look outfield. Top prospects George Valera and Chase DeLauter are projected to join the Opening Day lineup alongside Steven Kwan, with the hope they will give the offense a much-needed boost.
Noel may have failed to produce consistently for Cleveland, but he leaves with one lasting historic memory.
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