In MLB, the higher a prospect is drafted, the better he is and, as a consequence, there is a higher chance he makes an impact.
That’s why first-round picks are so valuable: most of those players will, at least, make the big leagues and contribute in some way.
That doesn’t mean that low draft picks or even undrafted players can’t contribute, though.
It’s because of organizations like the Cleveland Guardians that players such as Daniel Schneemann, who was taken in the 33rd round of the 2018 Draft, can keep dreaming.
They spotted his talent, they worked hard to get him to improve over the years, and they had a lot of patience.
Now, they are reaping the benefits.
Schneemann might be old for a prospect (27 years old), but he is legitimately helping the Guards with a rock solid .262/.356/.508 line, three home runs, eight RBI and a 142 wRC+ in 22 games.
The road, however, was long.
“The evolution of #Guardians INF/OF Daniel Schneeman through his professional career. 2018 (AZL & Low-A), 43 Games: 12 XBH / 3HR; 2019 (Low-A), 70 Games: 14 XBH / 2 HR; 2020 Covid Canceled Season; 2021 (High-A & Double-A), 51 games: 13 XBH / 6 HR; 2022 (Double-A & Triple-A), 114 games: 19 XBH / 6HR; 2023 (Triple-A), 114 games: 44 XBH / 13 HR; 2024 (Triple-A & MLB), 75 games: 33 XBH / 13 HR,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
The evolution of #Guardians INF/OF Daniel Schneeman through his professional career.
2018 (AZL & Low-A) 43 Games:
12 XBH / 3HR
2019 (Low-A) 70 Games:
14 XBH / 2 HR
2020 Covid Canceled Season
2021 (High-A & Double-A) 51 games:
13 XBH / 6 HR
2022 (Double-A & Triple-A)…
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 3, 2024
As you can see, it took Schneemann six full years before 2024 to break out power-wise.
Hitting for power at the highest level is not easy, but after a lot of discipline, blood, sweat and tears, he broke through last year with 44 extra-base hits.
Still, his 102 wRC+ in Triple-A in 2023 suggested that there was a lot of room to improve.
Schneemann proceeded to dramatically increase his walk rate and that unlocked a 154 wRC+ in 53 Triple-A games, with 10 long balls.
He has some swing and miss to his game, but his defensive versatility, ability to walk and hit for power make him an asset for the Guardians’ current situation.
NEXT: Guardians Starter Discusses Mindset To Overcome Adversity
