MLB teams, more than ever, value versatility.
When a player can hit and defend multiple positions adequately, he will likely earn considerable playing time.
This is the case of Cleveland Guardians rookie Daniel Schneemann.
Much like David Fry, Schneemann has the look of being a late-bloomer with the potential to contribute heavily to the Guardians’ offensive success.
Schneemann is 27 years old, but had a breakout in Triple-A this year in a couple of months there before being called up by the Guards.
He hit a cool .294/.428/.556 with 10 home runs and a 154 wRC+ in 223 plate appearances in Columbus.
He virtually forced Cleveland’s hand.
Now, after just a few games with the MLB team, he has matched a rookie record, as shared by CLEology on Twitter.
And plays them all well! #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/LPRWvZPOAT
— CLEology (@_CLEology) June 9, 2024
He became the first MLB player since 1906 to appear in six different positions within his first six career games.
Schneemann hasn’t played a whole lot, but he has already defended second base, shortstop, third base, and the three outfield positions.
Imagine having a prospect with a 154 wRC+ (and a .428 on-base percentage, due to his impressive ability to work walks) capable of playing six defensive positions.
That represents multiple solutions for every manager, and Stephen Vogt has been pleased with what he has seen from Schneemann in his first few games.
He has also been excellent at the plate, with a cool .385/.556/.615 in 18 trips to the plate.
He is still looking for his first career MLB home run, but those will come.
As long as he continues to offer solid plate skills and defensive versatility, he will earn more playing time in the lineup.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Keeps Making Strides In Triple-A
