Jhonkensy Noel

After a torrid couple of months with Triple-A Columbus, Noel was called up in late June to provide the Guardians lineup with some much-needed punch. He didn't play regularly, but the right-handed batter appeared in 67 games over the final three months. His .246/.302/.667 line against lefties versus batting .205/.281/.402 facing right-handers suggests a platoon, but Noel logged more than twice as many plate appearances versus righties. His hard-hit rate is middling, but Noel is a fly-ball hitter with an elevated barrel rate, driving power. As with many uppercut swings, contact is an issue, especially since Noel swings at almost half the pitches he sees out of the zone. Not noted for his glove, he has a plus arm and plus speed, and was passable in right field. At minimum, Noel should face every southpaw starter, but with better swing decisions, he could be more. Read Past Outlooks