Spring training has just started for the Cleveland Guardians.
It’s way too early to draw any conclusions from a short throwing session or an intense batting practice.
However, that shouldn’t be an impediment for us to describe the reality as it happened.
No, it might not mean much yet, but left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick looked dominant on Monday’s mound session.
“Cleveland #Guardians LHP prospect Parker Messick had his first appearance on the mound facing live hitters Monday. He faced four batters, striking out three, and averaged 93.6 mph on his fastball,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians LHP prospect Parker Messick had his first appearance on the mound facing live hitters Monday. He faced four batters striking out three and averaged 93.6 mph on his fastball.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) February 12, 2025
It’s the early days of the spring, and Messick, a promising lefty, is already averaging 93.6 mph.
That velocity has nowhere to go but up as we get closer to the start of the season.
Messick is a darkhorse candidate to make starts for Cleveland this year.
He is supremely talented and showed it last season.
Between High-A and Double-A, the southpaw posted a 2.83 ERA in 133.2 frames, with 165 strikeouts to his name.
He was even better in Double-A Akron, with a fantastic 2.06 ERA in 65.2 innings of work.
Most prospects’ stats begin to suffer when they climb up the ladder, but Messick is not just any prospect.
If the Guardians are aggressive, they will consider the 65.2 innings he already threw in Double-A enough proof that he has aced the level, and will assign him to Triple-A Columbus.
In any case, regardless of his initial assignment, there is a strong chance we see Messick in Cleveland at some point this season.
He is looking like a future mid-rotation starter.
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