The Cleveland Guardians had been trying to catch lightning in a bottle with each one of their young prospects in the high minors.
They have called up Kyle Manzardo, Angel Martinez, Johnathan Rodriguez and other high-profile players since the start of the season, with not much success to speak of.
However, they have finally found some production in two Triple-A sluggers that now belong with the big boys: Daniel Schneemann and Jhonkensy Noel.
Schneemann is sporting a strong .263/.362/.474 line with two doubles, two triples and two homers in 21 games.
He also boasts a quality .836 OPS.
While Schneemann is more of an all-around contributor, Noel’s impact has been felt more on the power side.
The impressive rookie has only been up for a week, but what a week it has been.
“What a 1st week for “Big Christmas” Jhonkensy Noel! 4th player in club history to homer in 1st PA; 6th player in club history to homer in each of 1st 2 starts; Hardest-hit HR by Cleveland player in Statcast era,” Bally Sports Cleveland tweeted.
What a 1st week for "Big Christmas" Jhonkensy Noel!
⚾️ 4th player in club history to homer in 1st PA
⚾️ 6th player in club history to homer in each of 1st 2 starts
⚾️ Hardest-hit HR by Cleveland player in Statcast era #ForTheLand | #1stOnTheFirst | @CleGuardians | @DreKnott pic.twitter.com/cDSXKEQpq3
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) July 1, 2024
Yes, in just five games played, Noel has the hardest hit ball by a Guardians player in the Statcast era (since 2015), a laser that left his bat at a little over 115 mph.
He also became the newest member of two clubs in franchise history, as the tweet shows.
Noel is hitting a cool .231/.286/.769 with a double, two homers and an incredible 1.055 OPS.
The average and OBP leave a lot to be desired, but the power is very much real and it will help the Guardians win games.
If Cleveland is patient and lets him experience his growing pains and learn from them, Noel has enormous potential.
NEXT: Two Prospects Will Represent The Guardians In All-Star Futures Game
