Cleveland Guardians 2023 prospect scouting report: #20 INF Jose Tena

Can Tena's defense and hit tool overcome his aggressive approach to make a big league impact?

Background and Build

Jose Tena was signed by the Guardians as part of their 2017 international signing class. He has steadily progressed up the minor league ranks, playing most of 2022 for AA Akron with a cup of coffee at the AAA level at the end of the season. In his 573 plate appearances in 2022, Tena had 14 home runs, a .311 OBP, and a .730 OPS. Tena has a small but strong frame at 5’9 190 pounds with plus fast twitch athleticism. 

What Tena Does Well

In spite of his small stature, Tena packs a punch at the plate, with his plus bat speed giving him surprising power to all fields. Tena’s plate coverage is also an asset, as he displays the ability to both turn on inside fastballs and hit outside pitches to the opposite field with authority. As a fielder, Tena possesses plus arm strength and displays an ability to make tough off-platform throws at both the SS and 2B positions.

Where Tena Needs to Improve

Tena has a very aggressive approach at the plate that compromises his ability to get on base and leads to an abundance of weak contact, particularly routine groundballs to the pull side. This approach, combined with a lack of consistent feel for impacting the bottom of the baseball, limits Tena’s offensive ceiling. 

Intangibles

Tena brings excitement to the ballpark every game with his energetic style of play.

Future

Tena will begin the 2023 season with AA Akron. Given the abundance of middle infield options present in the upper levels of the Guardians’ system, it will be difficult for Tena to work his way into MLB playing time. However, Tena’s presence on the 40 man roster adds urgency to his prospect timeline. Barring a breakout season, Tena will likely be a trade candidate at the deadline or in the offseason.