Will Jhonkensy Noel, the Guardians' big Christmas star, shine in the postseason?

Jhonkensy Noel, known as “Big Christmas,” came from the Dominican Republic with dreams of becoming an MLB star. After being signed by the Guardians in 2021, he faced challenges in the minors but showed improvement this season with Triple-A Columbus. His remarkable performance, including a .295 average and 18 home runs in 65 games, led to a major league debut in which he hit a home run in the first place. Despite a difficult September, the Guardians are considering him for his potential impact on their postseason roster.

Through the numbers

• Noel hit 18 home runs that year and had a .295 batting average in 65 Triple-A games.
• In 2022–2023, he recorded 295 hits in 271 minor league games.

state of affairs

• Noel made an impressive MLB debut, hitting a home run in his first at-bat.
• In recent contests, he hit .118 with an OPS of .363 in September.

What's next?

Noel's inclusion on the Guardians' ALDS roster remains uncertain, but his home run threat could be a deciding factor. Improved plate discipline will be critical to his postseason performance as he looks to prove himself on the national stage.

Conclusion

Noel has the potential to be a game-changer for the Guardians if he can use his power consistently. Proving his worth in the playoffs could pave the way for his long-term success in Major League Baseball.