The Cleveland Guardians are currently fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive after falling back under .500 following Thursday’s series-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Rays that saw them slip to 3.5 games back of the Seattle Mariners for the final Wild Card spot in the American League.
The most obvious reason for Cleveland’s struggles this season has been the lackluster offense, and there is hope that some of the recent additions can get hot down the stretch to get the team back in the postseason.
Former Guardians star Carlos Baerga recently said he is happy to have one big bat in the lineup following a long stint in the minors, as outfielder Jhonkensy Noel has made it back to the big leagues.
“I’m happy that [Jhonkensy Noel’s] back. You know why? Because this guy, last year, in little time, he posted numbers that I said, ‘Wow.’ 179 at-bats last year, 13 homers he got for us. He’s a strong guy, and what I like about him is he plays good defense,” Baerga said.
Are you in on Jhonkensey Noel? #GuardsBall@gabbgoudy & @BaergaCarlos make the case for Big Christmas. 🎄
presented by: @SmartChoiceWin_ https://t.co/ka2vhjMQUs pic.twitter.com/vNCdXJOrDz
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) September 5, 2025
Noel had a big game against the Boston Red Sox earlier in the week, collecting three hits, including a home run, though he is still hitting just .151 on the year.
Fans had big expectations for Big Christmas this season following the power surge he displayed at the end of last year, but he has been unable to pick up where he left off.
For the Guardians to make up ground in this Wild Card race, somebody has to get hot at the plate, and if Noel is the one to do that, it would be a blessing.
Nobody else on this roster has the kind of power he has, and a hot streak from him might be one of the only things that could help save this season.
NEXT: Guardians Given Worrisome Playoff Odds
