2024 has been the season of youth for the Cleveland Guardians.
Players in their twenties with projection and upside have been the theme of the year for the AL Central-leading Guards: Josh Naylor, Andres Gimenez, Brayan Rocchio, Steven Kwan, Tyler Freeman, David Fry, Johnathan Rodriguez, Tanner Bibee, Triston McKenzie, Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, Sam Hentges, Nick Sandlin, Cade Smith, Kyle Manzardo, Daniel Schneemann and Will Brennan have all contributed to some extent, some much more than others.
Manzardo, Smith, and Rodriguez have made their MLB debuts this year: the first two are even regulars.
The Guardians might have yet another potential difference-maker in Triple-A: Jhonkensy Noel.
Noel has been, for years, your typical inconsistent slugging prospect: low average, lots of strikeouts, mediocre on-base skills, and a lot of power.
He has, however, made significant strides in several areas of his game.
He is walking more, he has cut down on the strikeouts, and he is showing similar power.
In other words, he is maturing as a hitter and that might mean an extended look with the Guardians at some point in the summer months.
He is particularly hot in his last 22 games, as Guardians Prospective notes.
“Yes, Noel has a .500 OBP over the last 22 games with only 13 strikeouts during the same span!” he tweeted.
Yes, Noel has a .500 OBP over last 22 games with only 13 strikeouts during the same span! 🤯 https://t.co/d2AKyqFxdr
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 9, 2024
Noel has 15 runs, six doubles, a triple, six home runs, 23 RBI, 13 walks and 13 strikeouts over that span, with a .417 batting average and a .500 OBP.
Not too shabby, huh?
For the season, he is slashing a solid .280/.353/.556 with 14 home runs and 48 RBI in 55 games.
His 129 wRC+ is much better than the 77 mark he had last year, despite hitting 27 home runs.
Noel has a lot of power, and the Guardians lineup is always in need of that.
If he can show he has improved other parts of his offensive profile, he could contribute to Cleveland in 2024.
NEXT: Unsung Rotation Hero Gives Guardians Another Win
