Cleveland Guardians 2023 prospect scouting report: #15 1B/OF Jhonkensy Noel

The hulking slugger has a boom or bust profile that is exciting, but concerning right now

Build & Background

Large power hitters frame. Broad shoulders. Strong, defined forearms. Thick lower half. 2017 International Free Agent. Added to 40 man roster after 2021 season. 

What Noel does well

The one stand out tool Noel has is his power. It’s at least 70 grade raw power and could even be 80 grade raw power. Possesses a good throwing arm that is capable of making throws from third base or right field. Solid defender at first base and improving in right field.

https://twitter.com/CLBClippers/status/1650216917414682624?s=20

Where Noel needs to improve

Lacks the ability to make consistent contact and struggles to recognize breaking balls and is often out front on them. While his raw power is top of the scale, he might only get to it at a 60 grade rate in game. Below average defender at third base. Has improved in right field but it still fringe at best with raw reads and below average speed. 

https://twitter.com/JL_Baseball/status/1537595747734016000?s=20

https://twitter.com/CLBClippers/status/1645124843589840896?s=20

Intangibles

Has shown a willingness to work hard to improve at other positions defensively. Comes from a very underdeveloped background and has had to work hard to get where he is. Noel very close to his step brother and has also been able to work with the Guardians education program to learn English and earn his GED.

Future

It’s a boom or bust profile. Noel has the ability and tools to become a middle of the order first baseman this team hasn’t had in decades. But he could easily never graduate from Triple-A. He has more strikeout issues than Bobby Bradley or Nellie Rodriguez before him. But Noel is 21 (22 in July) and there’s time to figure it out. He was able to corral his strikeouts some in 2022 when he got to Double-A. But because he was added to the 40 man roster last year at a young part of his career, time is a bit limited for him in terms for option years. So by 2024, Noel has to start figuring it out. A likely outcome, should he make enough contact to make it to the majors is a 30 homer, low average, moderate OBP first baseman. He could also flame out in Triple-A.

https://twitter.com/PARSlist/status/1459560352958619653?s=20

Role: 45 - 30 homer, low OBP slugger

https://twitter.com/Official_CGBI/status/1451912292132605956?s=20