Jhonkensy Noel's journey through the majors has been a rollercoaster, marked by power and potential pitfalls. During his stint with Cleveland, Noel carved out a niche with a unique hitting profile-one that didn't focus on average or on-base percentage but rather on sheer slugging power.
Over half of his hits were for extra bases, and he smashed 13 homers in just 67 games. While the "Big Christmas" experience in 2024 was thrilling, relying solely on power isn't a sustainable strategy.
By 2025, Noel's performance dipped, leading the Guardians to designate him for assignment. Now, he’s looking for redemption with the Baltimore Orioles, eager to prove he's more than just a fleeting sensation.
The Orioles have a knack for playing the waiver wire game, often picking up players discarded by other teams to bolster their minor league depth. Most times, these acquisitions don't pan out, with players either never making it to the majors or having forgettable stints.
But occasionally, a waiver claim turns into a hidden gem. Remember Ryan O'Hearn?
The Orioles snagged him from the Royals for cash, and he initially faced a similar DFA fate as Noel. After a strong spring training, O'Hearn eventually found his groove, becoming a key player and even an All-Star in Baltimore.
Could Noel be the next O'Hearn for the Orioles?
He's off to a promising start. In spring training, Noel posted an impressive .381/.458/.714 slash line over 13 games.
Beyond the numbers, what's intriguing is the change in his approach. Historically, Noel has struggled with strikeouts-a 31.8% K rate during his successful 2024 season ballooned to 34% in 2025.
This spring, however, he struck out only five times, reducing his K rate to 20.8%.
Spring training stats can be deceiving due to the small sample size, but if the Orioles have indeed helped Noel improve his plate discipline, the implications could be significant. Even if these non-strikeout at-bats don't convert into walks, simply making more contact could boost his batting average and on-base percentage to more respectable levels. Combine that with his natural power, and Noel could develop a more balanced and sustainable offensive game, increasing his chances of sticking around in the majors.
While Noel may not start the season in the majors, the grind of a 162-game season often demands depth. The Orioles might just find themselves calling on Noel, hoping he's ready to seize the opportunity.