The Cleveland Guardians got some unexpectedly good production from utilityman Daniel Schneemann in 2024.
He virtually forced his way up by slashing a rock-solid .294/.428/.556 in Triple-A Columbus, with a 157 wRC+ in 223 plate appearances.
His MLB stint started off well, but then the league adjusted to him and he cooled off some.
Overall, his 93 wRC+ in 221 trips to the plate wasn’t so bad and tells the story of a talented hitter who needs to work and adjust back.
Fortunately, he is taking his off-season seriously and is already working on his swing.
“Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Daniel Schneemann getting some off-season cage work in. Schneemann made his pro-debut in 2024 playing in 73 games at six different positions,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Daniel Schneemann getting some off-season cage work in.
Schneemann made his pro-debut in 2024 playing in 73 games at six different positions. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/zs2KxtDz7w
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 7, 2024
If Schneemann can be an above-average offensive performer for Cleveland, that will almost guarantee regular or at least semi-regular at-bats for him.
With his defensive versatility, you could say he could be a David Fry-lite for Cleveland in 2025.
For that, however, he needs to increase his offensive ceiling and perform like he did in Triple-A.
It’s easier said than done, but if someone has the potential to be a late-bloomer, it’s Schneemann.
He is not a hot young prospect, as he is already 27.
He had been giving away signs of maturing as a hitter in 2023 when he had a 102 wRC+ in Columbus.
Now, he is a much better hitter than he ever was.
Will that be enough to sneak into the Guardians roster? How about the everyday lineup?
These questions will be answered at their due time.
For now, all he can do is work hard and be the best version of himself he can be.
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