Re: Minor Matters
13516a second solo homer off Nikhazy. Those the only hits he's allowed in 4 innings. But that is a worry for a slower-thrower
Re: Minor Matters
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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 3/28/25
Triple-A is back!
Arthur Kinney
Mar 29
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SCOREBOARD
Columbus Clippers 8, Toledo Mud Hens 5 (Statcast)
HIGHLIGHTS
Juan Brito (2B): 3-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 SF, 1 K - While it’s only one game, Brito made an excellent opening argument in his case for a call-up to the Big Club with this Manzardoan effort. While not explosive, his contact was solid with three of his four batted balls coming off his bat in the mid-90s MPH. He was also clutch, driving in a pair of game-tying runs as well as an eighth-inning insurance tally.
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Will Wilson (3B): 2-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K - It’s easy to forget that Wilson’s Opening Day was a multi-hit one given how good THAT hit was. For those of you just learning about this contest now, the hit in question was a gargantuan 429-foot homer (109.0 MPH exit velo) in the seventh that landed on Monroe Street beyond left field and bounced off the Glass City Center (convention center) across the street. Two fun facts about this blast: First, not only did the Triple-A Rule 5 selection top the Clippers’ velo chart for the day, he also posted the team’s lowest exit velo of the game on a fly ball with a 79.5 MPH flyout to right in the ninth. Second, while he tied Buffalo (Toronto) OF Joey Loperfido for the second-longest homer of Triple-A Opening day, it wasn’t even the longest of the game as Toledo (Detroit) 1B Justyn-Henry Malloy tagged Clippers starter Doug Nikhazy for a 443-foot (110.8 MPH) moonshot in the fourth.
Angel Martinez (LF): 2-5, 1 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K - While it’s easy for other performances to get lost in the bright lights of efforts like Brito’s and Wilson’s, it’s important not to overlook Martinez’s multi-double effort. Starting the season with a pair of hard hit (high-90s exit velos) doubles, including one that gave the Clip Show their first lead of the season, is nothing to sneeze at.
Dayan Frias (1B): 2-3, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 BB - Rounding out the quartet of multi-hit Opening Days is Frias, who showed both power and plate discipline in a well-rounded offensive effort - all while playing his least familiar offensive position during the bottom of each frame. This was only his 19th professional game at 1B, compared to a minimum of 63 career appearances at each of the other infield spots. The only position he has played less (other than positions he’s never played) is LF, which he has played thrice, all for the 2019 Dominican Summer League Indians (for those new to following the farm system, Cleveland only had one DSL affiliate back then).
Doug Nikhazy (SP): ND, 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R (both earned), 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR allowed - Malloy’s Ruthian blast aside, Nikhazy was impressive in the opener of his first full Triple-A campaign. In fact, the longball was his main nemesis on Friday as he came within two bad pitches of hurling five frames of one-hit shutout baseball. Despite his fastball only sitting in the low-90s, it combined well with a mid-80s slider and a high-70s curveball for an effective three-pitch arsenal. Come to think of it, this may not be a full season of Triple-A for him as a trip up I-71 may be in his near future.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Milan Tolentino (SS): 1-3, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 BB - Reaching base twice, including on a 100.8 MPH triple, and scoring both times sounds like a pretty impressive Triple-A debut to me.
Kody Huff (C ): 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K - Huff likewise shone in a Triple-A debut marked by multiple trips to the basepaths.
Nick Mikolajachak (RP): S (1), 1 IP, perfect, 1 K - After blowing his only save opportunity of 2024, Mikolajchak needed only one game to ensure that the goose egg in the saves column would not be repeated.
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 3/28/25
Triple-A is back!
Arthur Kinney
Mar 29
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD
Columbus Clippers 8, Toledo Mud Hens 5 (Statcast)
HIGHLIGHTS
Juan Brito (2B): 3-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 SF, 1 K - While it’s only one game, Brito made an excellent opening argument in his case for a call-up to the Big Club with this Manzardoan effort. While not explosive, his contact was solid with three of his four batted balls coming off his bat in the mid-90s MPH. He was also clutch, driving in a pair of game-tying runs as well as an eighth-inning insurance tally.
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Subscribed
Will Wilson (3B): 2-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K - It’s easy to forget that Wilson’s Opening Day was a multi-hit one given how good THAT hit was. For those of you just learning about this contest now, the hit in question was a gargantuan 429-foot homer (109.0 MPH exit velo) in the seventh that landed on Monroe Street beyond left field and bounced off the Glass City Center (convention center) across the street. Two fun facts about this blast: First, not only did the Triple-A Rule 5 selection top the Clippers’ velo chart for the day, he also posted the team’s lowest exit velo of the game on a fly ball with a 79.5 MPH flyout to right in the ninth. Second, while he tied Buffalo (Toronto) OF Joey Loperfido for the second-longest homer of Triple-A Opening day, it wasn’t even the longest of the game as Toledo (Detroit) 1B Justyn-Henry Malloy tagged Clippers starter Doug Nikhazy for a 443-foot (110.8 MPH) moonshot in the fourth.
Angel Martinez (LF): 2-5, 1 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K - While it’s easy for other performances to get lost in the bright lights of efforts like Brito’s and Wilson’s, it’s important not to overlook Martinez’s multi-double effort. Starting the season with a pair of hard hit (high-90s exit velos) doubles, including one that gave the Clip Show their first lead of the season, is nothing to sneeze at.
Dayan Frias (1B): 2-3, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 BB - Rounding out the quartet of multi-hit Opening Days is Frias, who showed both power and plate discipline in a well-rounded offensive effort - all while playing his least familiar offensive position during the bottom of each frame. This was only his 19th professional game at 1B, compared to a minimum of 63 career appearances at each of the other infield spots. The only position he has played less (other than positions he’s never played) is LF, which he has played thrice, all for the 2019 Dominican Summer League Indians (for those new to following the farm system, Cleveland only had one DSL affiliate back then).
Doug Nikhazy (SP): ND, 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R (both earned), 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR allowed - Malloy’s Ruthian blast aside, Nikhazy was impressive in the opener of his first full Triple-A campaign. In fact, the longball was his main nemesis on Friday as he came within two bad pitches of hurling five frames of one-hit shutout baseball. Despite his fastball only sitting in the low-90s, it combined well with a mid-80s slider and a high-70s curveball for an effective three-pitch arsenal. Come to think of it, this may not be a full season of Triple-A for him as a trip up I-71 may be in his near future.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Milan Tolentino (SS): 1-3, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 BB - Reaching base twice, including on a 100.8 MPH triple, and scoring both times sounds like a pretty impressive Triple-A debut to me.
Kody Huff (C ): 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K - Huff likewise shone in a Triple-A debut marked by multiple trips to the basepaths.
Nick Mikolajachak (RP): S (1), 1 IP, perfect, 1 K - After blowing his only save opportunity of 2024, Mikolajchak needed only one game to ensure that the goose egg in the saves column would not be repeated.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13518Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
2025 Cleveland Guardian Prospect Scouting Report: #27 LHP Doug Nikhazy
Can Nikhazy find more control with new mechanical changes?
Justin Lada
Mar 29
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Bio
Age (2025 season): 25
Acquired: 2021 Draft (2nd Round)
2024 Level: Triple-A
Height: 6’0
Weight: 210
Throws: Left
First impression
Undersized arm with an array of offerings, fringe control that can miss some bats and turn a lineup over once.
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 45
Slider: 55
Curveball: 45
Changeup: 45
Command: 40
Overall: 40
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025
What Makes Nikhazy Fun
Part of Nikhazy’s story now that does make him a potentially fun prospect (again), is his redemption arc in 2024 from a disappointing second round pick to now being on the 40 man roster. Nikhazy now looks more like a crafty-lefty type as he throws a four seam, sinker, slider (that he can cut), curve and a change. He’s revamped his mechanics and now has a more cross body motion into a 3/4 arm slot, down from his more over the top/high 3/4 look. The mechanical changes helped him halve his walk rate from 2023 and boosted his slider a little in favor of his curveball. His changeup is effective and has some more depth now. The slider runs away from lefties and can dive under bats against lefties. His fastball can be effective when he locates it, and he’s seen a slight bump in velo at times (91-93 in some starts where he sustains it).
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What Could Hold Nikhazy Back
Nothing sinks a pitcher faster than free passes. Watch Triston McKenzie’s career arc and Logan Allen in 2024. And Nikhazy’s stuff is OK but not good enough to outpitch mistakes in the zone and with walks. His control is still an issue. His walk rate went from being a serious barrier from how much longer he might last in the organization to being below average. Nikhazy now has a good slider as his best offering. Due to the change in his slot and release, his once plus curveball is a bit fringy now. The changeup is useable and effective, but mostly flashes fringe/average. Velocity wise, his fastball is fringy even with a slightly raised floor on it and it doesn’t come with enough spin and carry like it used to.
Key Metric
10.8 - Nikhazy’s walk rate was a career low. That says a lot about where his control was. He’s still got work to do in terms of reigning that in. Furthermore, his first pitch strike rate was 47% last year, which would have been 10% lower than the lowest figure among qualified starters in major league baseball last year.
Intangibles
Nikhazy has long been well liked by teammates for his mind on pitching. They say they love talking to him about it and bouncing ideas off one another. Nikhazy also showed something last offseason finally agreeing to make some changes to his delivery despite his college success and realizing he needed to adopt some changes to improve.
Future
The issues throwing strikes at a consistent level still make it skeptical just how effective of a role he’ll have in the majors. Perhaps he has enough stuff and pitchability to overcome some of those issues. Being on the 40 man roster, the Guardians maybe believe that year two of his mechanical changes will further cut down the walk rate. That’s still something I think he’ll need to do in order to find any sort of consistent major league role. Control/stuff wise, he profiles more as a up and down depth starter or a reliever. Cleveland saw enough improvement last year to add him to the 40 over Ryan Webb and protect him from the Rule 5 draft. That might indicate they think he’s capable of more control going forward. His fastball/slider might have some chance to be more effective in a relief role.
Role/Risk
40/High - Up and down starter/middle relief.
2025 Cleveland Guardian Prospect Scouting Report: #27 LHP Doug Nikhazy
Can Nikhazy find more control with new mechanical changes?
Justin Lada
Mar 29
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 25
Acquired: 2021 Draft (2nd Round)
2024 Level: Triple-A
Height: 6’0
Weight: 210
Throws: Left
First impression
Undersized arm with an array of offerings, fringe control that can miss some bats and turn a lineup over once.
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 45
Slider: 55
Curveball: 45
Changeup: 45
Command: 40
Overall: 40
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025
What Makes Nikhazy Fun
Part of Nikhazy’s story now that does make him a potentially fun prospect (again), is his redemption arc in 2024 from a disappointing second round pick to now being on the 40 man roster. Nikhazy now looks more like a crafty-lefty type as he throws a four seam, sinker, slider (that he can cut), curve and a change. He’s revamped his mechanics and now has a more cross body motion into a 3/4 arm slot, down from his more over the top/high 3/4 look. The mechanical changes helped him halve his walk rate from 2023 and boosted his slider a little in favor of his curveball. His changeup is effective and has some more depth now. The slider runs away from lefties and can dive under bats against lefties. His fastball can be effective when he locates it, and he’s seen a slight bump in velo at times (91-93 in some starts where he sustains it).
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Nikhazy Back
Nothing sinks a pitcher faster than free passes. Watch Triston McKenzie’s career arc and Logan Allen in 2024. And Nikhazy’s stuff is OK but not good enough to outpitch mistakes in the zone and with walks. His control is still an issue. His walk rate went from being a serious barrier from how much longer he might last in the organization to being below average. Nikhazy now has a good slider as his best offering. Due to the change in his slot and release, his once plus curveball is a bit fringy now. The changeup is useable and effective, but mostly flashes fringe/average. Velocity wise, his fastball is fringy even with a slightly raised floor on it and it doesn’t come with enough spin and carry like it used to.
Key Metric
10.8 - Nikhazy’s walk rate was a career low. That says a lot about where his control was. He’s still got work to do in terms of reigning that in. Furthermore, his first pitch strike rate was 47% last year, which would have been 10% lower than the lowest figure among qualified starters in major league baseball last year.
Intangibles
Nikhazy has long been well liked by teammates for his mind on pitching. They say they love talking to him about it and bouncing ideas off one another. Nikhazy also showed something last offseason finally agreeing to make some changes to his delivery despite his college success and realizing he needed to adopt some changes to improve.
Future
The issues throwing strikes at a consistent level still make it skeptical just how effective of a role he’ll have in the majors. Perhaps he has enough stuff and pitchability to overcome some of those issues. Being on the 40 man roster, the Guardians maybe believe that year two of his mechanical changes will further cut down the walk rate. That’s still something I think he’ll need to do in order to find any sort of consistent major league role. Control/stuff wise, he profiles more as a up and down depth starter or a reliever. Cleveland saw enough improvement last year to add him to the 40 over Ryan Webb and protect him from the Rule 5 draft. That might indicate they think he’s capable of more control going forward. His fastball/slider might have some chance to be more effective in a relief role.
Role/Risk
40/High - Up and down starter/middle relief.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13519Ryan Webb with the start today. The lefty was impressive in his AAA debut last summer, in 7 games ERA of 2.60 WHIP 1.27
Projections suggest he's most likely to have major league success in the bullpen,
Projections suggest he's most likely to have major league success in the bullpen,
Re: Minor Matters
13520Webb went 4 allowed 1. Martinez a 2 run double. Nunez 3 run homer.
sunday: Trent Denholm AAA debut allowed 3 quick runs in the first; no more over 3 1/3. Mason Hickman whose release can't be far off 3 runs in 1inning.
Brito double and single
Martinez 2 singles
Wilson 3 singles
Huff 2 singles
Weakest link is Will Brennan 1-14 with no walks; could well be feeling depressed
sunday: Trent Denholm AAA debut allowed 3 quick runs in the first; no more over 3 1/3. Mason Hickman whose release can't be far off 3 runs in 1inning.
Brito double and single
Martinez 2 singles
Wilson 3 singles
Huff 2 singles
Weakest link is Will Brennan 1-14 with no walks; could well be feeling depressed
Re: Minor Matters
13522Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 3/30/25
Brito and Will Wilson keep hitting
Matthew Kennell
Mar 31
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Scoreboard
Toledo Mud Hens 6, Columbus Clippers 5 (Statcast)
Highlights
Will Wilson (3B): 3-for-5, R, RBI - Wilson begins the 2025 regular season with five hits in ten at-bats thanks to a 3-for-5 effort on Sunday. Despite five players turning in a multi-hit day, Wilson was the only batter with a three-hit performance. His RBI single in the top of the ninth sparked a three-run inning, but it was not enough to complete the comeback. His single in the fourth was hit at 102.9 off the bat.
Juan Brito (1B): 2-for-5, R, 2 2Bs - Brito led the team with four total bases on the day. Both doubles and a flyout were hit between 95 and 98 mph off the bat. Three of his five hits in the opening weekend went for doubles.
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Notable Performances
Angel Martinez (CF): 2-for-5, 2 R, OF assist - Martinez had the hardest hit ball of the day for the Clippers, but unfortunately it was hit right at the center fielder for a lineout. The highlight for Martinez came defensively when he saved his pitcher a hit by throwing out a runner at second base.
Kody Huff (C): 2-for-5, RBI - Both singles for Huff were tracked at over 100 mph off the bat. It was feast or famine at the dish, however, with three strikeouts on the 24-year-old’s ledger as well.
Christian Cairo (2B): 2-for-4, R, BB, SB - Cairo was able to reach base three times in total thanks to a pair of hits and a walk. His speed was on display with two infield singles, both hit to the first baseman for the Mud Hens, and a stolen base.
Dom Nunez (DH): 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBIs, BB, HBP - Nunez also reached base three times with a hit, walk and he was hit by a pitch. His RBI double in the ninth put him in scoring position as the game’s tying run.
Trenton Denholm (SP): L (0-1), 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, BB, 3 Ks, WP - It was a rough first inning for Denholm, but once he got out of the first, he settled in for seven straight outs in the first through third. He threw 55 pitches, 33 for strikes and got six groundball outs. The cutter was effective for Denholm with five swings and four whiffs.
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 3/30/25
Brito and Will Wilson keep hitting
Matthew Kennell
Mar 31
READ IN APP
Scoreboard
Toledo Mud Hens 6, Columbus Clippers 5 (Statcast)
Highlights
Will Wilson (3B): 3-for-5, R, RBI - Wilson begins the 2025 regular season with five hits in ten at-bats thanks to a 3-for-5 effort on Sunday. Despite five players turning in a multi-hit day, Wilson was the only batter with a three-hit performance. His RBI single in the top of the ninth sparked a three-run inning, but it was not enough to complete the comeback. His single in the fourth was hit at 102.9 off the bat.
Juan Brito (1B): 2-for-5, R, 2 2Bs - Brito led the team with four total bases on the day. Both doubles and a flyout were hit between 95 and 98 mph off the bat. Three of his five hits in the opening weekend went for doubles.
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Subscribed
Notable Performances
Angel Martinez (CF): 2-for-5, 2 R, OF assist - Martinez had the hardest hit ball of the day for the Clippers, but unfortunately it was hit right at the center fielder for a lineout. The highlight for Martinez came defensively when he saved his pitcher a hit by throwing out a runner at second base.
Kody Huff (C): 2-for-5, RBI - Both singles for Huff were tracked at over 100 mph off the bat. It was feast or famine at the dish, however, with three strikeouts on the 24-year-old’s ledger as well.
Christian Cairo (2B): 2-for-4, R, BB, SB - Cairo was able to reach base three times in total thanks to a pair of hits and a walk. His speed was on display with two infield singles, both hit to the first baseman for the Mud Hens, and a stolen base.
Dom Nunez (DH): 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBIs, BB, HBP - Nunez also reached base three times with a hit, walk and he was hit by a pitch. His RBI double in the ninth put him in scoring position as the game’s tying run.
Trenton Denholm (SP): L (0-1), 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, BB, 3 Ks, WP - It was a rough first inning for Denholm, but once he got out of the first, he settled in for seven straight outs in the first through third. He threw 55 pitches, 33 for strikes and got six groundball outs. The cutter was effective for Denholm with five swings and four whiffs.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13523LIneups are now updated on MILB.com for the 4 Guardians' farm teams. Still not fully accurate.
for Columbus, there's no Will Dion on the roster but he's also the scheduled starter in their next game.
Kody Huff is now on Clippers roster but hasn't caught a game for them yet.
Valdes and Watson are on the Columbus roster but haven't played yet either.
Akron's is likely to be correct, e.g. Andrew Walters is here for his rehab. Messick and Peterson and Davenport return at least for awhile to lead the rotation.
Ingle returns as does Kayfus. Bazzana is indeed here Also Alex Mooney in the IF.
So for that matter is Watson so he's being spread kind of thin with 2 simultaneous assignments
Sad sack OF is Burgos, Fox, Lampe an Lipscomb
Lake County starters appear to be DeLucia, Harlte, Kennedy, Wilkinson and Johnston or Richardson
Cozart behind the plate
Velazquea and Genao lead the IF with Devers, Benjamin, Knapczyk
OF more interesting than Akron's with Chourio leading the way; and possible prospects Rosario and Mitchell [trade pickups] Advincula, Antunez and Gonzalez
Lynchburg as you previously posted features only 1 of the high school 24 draftees: Braylon Doughty. 5th round pick Aidan Major who we discussed last week is on the 60 day IL. Jacob Zibin is on the active roster so that excites me, the 6-4 LH missed 2023 and 24 after being drafted; but still just turned age 20.
Rafe Schlesinger, a college pick last summer, is here, I believe he's a reliever.
I don't know the rest of the pitchers but I didn't know anything about Wilkinson at this time last year. Maybe Connor Whittaker or Logan McGuire will be surprises?
Besides the highly touted Weiblyn Francisca other position players of note are 18 year old power hitter 1B Luis Merejo. 19 year old IF Yanki Baptiste; 18 year old HR or nothing OF Jose Pirela
The other teams all open this weekend.
for Columbus, there's no Will Dion on the roster but he's also the scheduled starter in their next game.
Kody Huff is now on Clippers roster but hasn't caught a game for them yet.
Valdes and Watson are on the Columbus roster but haven't played yet either.
Akron's is likely to be correct, e.g. Andrew Walters is here for his rehab. Messick and Peterson and Davenport return at least for awhile to lead the rotation.
Ingle returns as does Kayfus. Bazzana is indeed here Also Alex Mooney in the IF.
So for that matter is Watson so he's being spread kind of thin with 2 simultaneous assignments
Sad sack OF is Burgos, Fox, Lampe an Lipscomb
Lake County starters appear to be DeLucia, Harlte, Kennedy, Wilkinson and Johnston or Richardson
Cozart behind the plate
Velazquea and Genao lead the IF with Devers, Benjamin, Knapczyk
OF more interesting than Akron's with Chourio leading the way; and possible prospects Rosario and Mitchell [trade pickups] Advincula, Antunez and Gonzalez
Lynchburg as you previously posted features only 1 of the high school 24 draftees: Braylon Doughty. 5th round pick Aidan Major who we discussed last week is on the 60 day IL. Jacob Zibin is on the active roster so that excites me, the 6-4 LH missed 2023 and 24 after being drafted; but still just turned age 20.
Rafe Schlesinger, a college pick last summer, is here, I believe he's a reliever.
I don't know the rest of the pitchers but I didn't know anything about Wilkinson at this time last year. Maybe Connor Whittaker or Logan McGuire will be surprises?
Besides the highly touted Weiblyn Francisca other position players of note are 18 year old power hitter 1B Luis Merejo. 19 year old IF Yanki Baptiste; 18 year old HR or nothing OF Jose Pirela
The other teams all open this weekend.
Re: Minor Matters
13524Great stuff civ!
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2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #26 RHP Nic Enright
Can Enright get healthy and impact the bullpen?
Justin Lada
Mar 31
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Bio
Age (2024 season): 28
Acquired: 2019 Draft (20th round)
2024 Level: Triple-A
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205
Throws: Right
First impression
Tall and lanky reliever. Looks the part. Looks like he throws harder than he does, gets results like he does throw harder. Sneaky fastball. Good control. Solid secondaries. Good character and perseverance.
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 55
Slider: 50
Curveball: 50
Changeup: 45
Command: 50
Overall: 40
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025
What Makes Enright Fun
Rooting for a 20th round pick that missed out on his chance to make it as a Rule 5 pick due to facing cancer and beating it is easy. Tall and lanky with good extension and throws from a tall, over the top arm slot. His release gives and extension gives him good carry and life on the fastball, so even at 91-94, his fastball punches above its weight. He used to pair it with a big over the top curveball but now employs a slider with good spin and tilt. He still has the curveball and does throw a changeup, giving him a full arsenal as a middle reliever. He commands everything well.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Enright Back
Enright seems like a safe bet at this point to hold a role in the bullpen, as an up and down arm in middle relief. He does have to locate his secondaires and avoid walks like he always has to be effective. He’s had a bad run of health too, missing extended time with shoulder issues last year.
Key Metric
78.2% - Enright was able to hold Triple-A hitters to a 78.2% zone contract rate in 2023 between Miami and Cleveland’s system. It was 76.3% in 2024 in limited action. Missing bats in the zone is a good sign for Enright despite not having premium stuff and he’s already doing it at Triple-A.
Intangibles
It’s hard not to mention Enright’s perseverance. A 20th round pick that’s 28 and on the cusp of a major league shot finally, and had to beat cancer in 2022 as a Rule 5 pick that cut that shot short.
Future
Now on the 40 man roster, Enright should fill a depth role in the bullpen between Columbus and the majors the next year or two. He’s been effective enough in the minors at this point and should be able to handle that role in middle relief.
Role/Risk
40/Moderate - Effective middle relief depth arm
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2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #26 RHP Nic Enright
Can Enright get healthy and impact the bullpen?
Justin Lada
Mar 31
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2024 season): 28
Acquired: 2019 Draft (20th round)
2024 Level: Triple-A
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205
Throws: Right
First impression
Tall and lanky reliever. Looks the part. Looks like he throws harder than he does, gets results like he does throw harder. Sneaky fastball. Good control. Solid secondaries. Good character and perseverance.
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 55
Slider: 50
Curveball: 50
Changeup: 45
Command: 50
Overall: 40
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025
What Makes Enright Fun
Rooting for a 20th round pick that missed out on his chance to make it as a Rule 5 pick due to facing cancer and beating it is easy. Tall and lanky with good extension and throws from a tall, over the top arm slot. His release gives and extension gives him good carry and life on the fastball, so even at 91-94, his fastball punches above its weight. He used to pair it with a big over the top curveball but now employs a slider with good spin and tilt. He still has the curveball and does throw a changeup, giving him a full arsenal as a middle reliever. He commands everything well.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Enright Back
Enright seems like a safe bet at this point to hold a role in the bullpen, as an up and down arm in middle relief. He does have to locate his secondaires and avoid walks like he always has to be effective. He’s had a bad run of health too, missing extended time with shoulder issues last year.
Key Metric
78.2% - Enright was able to hold Triple-A hitters to a 78.2% zone contract rate in 2023 between Miami and Cleveland’s system. It was 76.3% in 2024 in limited action. Missing bats in the zone is a good sign for Enright despite not having premium stuff and he’s already doing it at Triple-A.
Intangibles
It’s hard not to mention Enright’s perseverance. A 20th round pick that’s 28 and on the cusp of a major league shot finally, and had to beat cancer in 2022 as a Rule 5 pick that cut that shot short.
Future
Now on the 40 man roster, Enright should fill a depth role in the bullpen between Columbus and the majors the next year or two. He’s been effective enough in the minors at this point and should be able to handle that role in middle relief.
Role/Risk
40/Moderate - Effective middle relief depth arm
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13525And evidently those rosters aren't accurate either. Since Parker Messick is scheduled to start for Columbus on Wednesday. The Clippers are opening the season with 4 lefties in their rotation.
And still no sign of Koby Allard, another lefty,
And still no sign of Koby Allard, another lefty,
Re: Minor Matters
13526FWIW Andrew Walters has been reassigned from Akron to Columbus. That makes 3 moves within a week and I imagine he's spent all the time in Goodyear.
Re: Minor Matters
13527Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #25 OF Johnathan Rodriguez
Can Rodriguez's Triple-A success translate to the majors?
Justin Lada
Apr 1
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 25
Acquired: Draft (2017, Round 3)
2024 Level: MLB
Height: 6’2
Weight: 224
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
2025 Scouting Grades
Hit: 40
Power: 55
Speed: 30
Defense: 40
Arm: 55
Overall: 40
Risk: High
ETA: 2024
First Impression
Looks the part of a tall, lanky and long levered power hitting corner. Corner type build, doesn't offer a lot of athleticism. Broad shoulders. Long swing with good bat speed. High leg kick. Does sort of remind of JD Martinez in both build and swing, though a little less efficient.
What Makes Rodriguez Fun
As far as raw power goes, Johnathan Rodriguez can get into the same clubs as Ralphy Velazquez, Chase DeLauter and Jhonkensy Noel among this group. In terms of raw power and exit velocities, Rodriguez along around be a 60, maybe a 70. He stings the ball when he makes contact and can hit it a long way when it gets in the air. He’s been known to take a walk too, usually being able to differentiate balls and strikes, or at least borderline ones in Triple-A. Rodriguez also brings a cannon into the field with him and runners should always think twice before trying to take an extra base on a ball hit in front of Rodriguez.
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Subscribed
What Could Hold Rodriguez Back
Despite thunderous bat speed at times, Rodriguez’s swing can get long and he will show swing and miss both in the zone and against good big league sliders. His walk totals do appear to be buoyed by a more passive than patient approach. He hits too many grounders to get to all of his power as well. Outside of his throwing arm, Rodriguez isn’t adding much defensively in the outfield and he’s not adding value on the bases either. It’s a lot of pressure on a bat to get to the juice.
Key Metric
50.2% - As noted, for all his power, Rodriguez hits the ball on the ground too much and still only pulls the ball 39% of the time as well. The pull rate is less of a concern for me because of his power that carries to all fields - when he hits into the air.
Intangibles
Rodriguez has certainly been patient so far and has performed the last few years in the minors and has bided his time looking for a chance. He also gave up switch hitting a few years ago and that seemed to help him take off a bit. He was drafted out of Carlos Beltran’s academy in Puerto Rico.
Future
Rodriguez could find himself with some playing time depending on how long Chase DeLauter is out in 2025, and if Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan struggle. George Valera’s injury situation also looms over Rodriguez’s shot too. He doesn’t seem to be high in the pecking order. It seems his chances at a big league job would be best served elsewhere. But Rodrigue has nothing left to prove in Triple-A and needs major league at bats in 2025, but it’s unclear how that will happen at this time. He tracks as a three true outcomes type of DH/RF.
Role/Risk
40/High - Power/low OBP corner/DH
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #25 OF Johnathan Rodriguez
Can Rodriguez's Triple-A success translate to the majors?
Justin Lada
Apr 1
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 25
Acquired: Draft (2017, Round 3)
2024 Level: MLB
Height: 6’2
Weight: 224
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
2025 Scouting Grades
Hit: 40
Power: 55
Speed: 30
Defense: 40
Arm: 55
Overall: 40
Risk: High
ETA: 2024
First Impression
Looks the part of a tall, lanky and long levered power hitting corner. Corner type build, doesn't offer a lot of athleticism. Broad shoulders. Long swing with good bat speed. High leg kick. Does sort of remind of JD Martinez in both build and swing, though a little less efficient.
What Makes Rodriguez Fun
As far as raw power goes, Johnathan Rodriguez can get into the same clubs as Ralphy Velazquez, Chase DeLauter and Jhonkensy Noel among this group. In terms of raw power and exit velocities, Rodriguez along around be a 60, maybe a 70. He stings the ball when he makes contact and can hit it a long way when it gets in the air. He’s been known to take a walk too, usually being able to differentiate balls and strikes, or at least borderline ones in Triple-A. Rodriguez also brings a cannon into the field with him and runners should always think twice before trying to take an extra base on a ball hit in front of Rodriguez.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Rodriguez Back
Despite thunderous bat speed at times, Rodriguez’s swing can get long and he will show swing and miss both in the zone and against good big league sliders. His walk totals do appear to be buoyed by a more passive than patient approach. He hits too many grounders to get to all of his power as well. Outside of his throwing arm, Rodriguez isn’t adding much defensively in the outfield and he’s not adding value on the bases either. It’s a lot of pressure on a bat to get to the juice.
Key Metric
50.2% - As noted, for all his power, Rodriguez hits the ball on the ground too much and still only pulls the ball 39% of the time as well. The pull rate is less of a concern for me because of his power that carries to all fields - when he hits into the air.
Intangibles
Rodriguez has certainly been patient so far and has performed the last few years in the minors and has bided his time looking for a chance. He also gave up switch hitting a few years ago and that seemed to help him take off a bit. He was drafted out of Carlos Beltran’s academy in Puerto Rico.
Future
Rodriguez could find himself with some playing time depending on how long Chase DeLauter is out in 2025, and if Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan struggle. George Valera’s injury situation also looms over Rodriguez’s shot too. He doesn’t seem to be high in the pecking order. It seems his chances at a big league job would be best served elsewhere. But Rodrigue has nothing left to prove in Triple-A and needs major league at bats in 2025, but it’s unclear how that will happen at this time. He tracks as a three true outcomes type of DH/RF.
Role/Risk
40/High - Power/low OBP corner/DH
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13529Good point civ. Or at least be able to "take" the ones that aren't strikes!
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13530One of the preseason writeups, I think Keith Law noted that. Noel for a former 1b/3B seems to be a better RF than JRod with an arm that's not much less effective.
Then again Noel swings at everything which is an unlikely path to success. Recall that last Sept he hit 118/167/196 with no homers 3 walks and 18 strikeouts in 51.
He followed with that memorable postseason homerun but was 2-21 in the playoffs.
Then again Noel swings at everything which is an unlikely path to success. Recall that last Sept he hit 118/167/196 with no homers 3 walks and 18 strikeouts in 51.
He followed with that memorable postseason homerun but was 2-21 in the playoffs.