2023 Cleveland Guardians prospect scouting report: #36 OF Joe Lampe

Lampe's high contact, speed and leadership qualities checked many of Cleveland's boxes in the 2022 draft.

Build & Background

Lampe was selected by the Guardians in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft after a solid career at Arizona State. He signed for an 800k overslot bonus and briefly appeared at Lynchburg for 11 plate appearances at the end of the 2022 season. Lampe has a medium build at 6’1 185 lbs with some potential to add strength.

Joe Doyle @JoeDoyleMiLB

Watch out for @ASU_Baseball 2B/CF Joe Lampe as the season heats up. Jumped from No. 244 up to No. 91 on the latest @ProspectsLive Top 400. He's up to .353 with 7 homers. Had a nice 2021, but he might be breaking out in 2022. Really making an impression.

What Lampe does well

Lampe fits the mold of what the Guardians seemed to be looking for from position players in the 2022 draft: A college performer with plus contact skills, a good glove at a premium position, and plus speed. What separates Lampe from other 2022 draftees is that he already displayed improved power in college, jumping from 3 HR in 217 PA in 2021 to 12 HR in 283 PA in 2022. Lampe should be able to play a capable, maybe plus, centerfield in the majors, which along with his plus speed and base-stealing ability (17 for 20 in 2022) give him a high floor as a prospect.

Justin L. @JL_Baseball

First pitch of the first at bat of Guardians 2022 3rd round pick, OF Joe Lampe, - an RBI single.

Where Lampe needs to improve

A key area that Lampe will look to improve is his swing decisions, particularly his proclivity for chasing pitches out of the strike zone. Often players with excellent contact skills like Lampe have an expansive approach that succeeds at the college level but will need to be reined in at the upper levels of pro ball. The Guardians may also work with Lampe to add strength as well as more loft to his current swing, which is currently more of a slashing cut. Cleveland has seen success with a similar plan in developing Will Brennan, who was somewhat similar to Lampe coming out of college.

Intangibles

Lampe was described as the “beating heart” of the Arizona State baseball team and worked hard to become a draft prospect after being overlooked in high school and beginning his college career in junior college.

Stephen Schoch @bigdonkey47

Joe Lampe of @ASU_Baseball scored on a sacrifice fly tonight. The impressive thing is he started on second base. The kid can absolutely fly

Future

Lampe will begin 2022 in a lower minors affiliate, either Lake County or Lynchburg. His progression through the minors will largely be determined by the development of his bat. With improvement in his swing decisions and game power, he may be able to impact the Guardians as soon as early 2025.

Role: 40 - Defense-first, high contact CF/4th OF

Jay L @JayLVideoBP

Joe Lampe ST infield single and stolen base vs. KC