The Cleveland Guardians' bullpen is turning heads as one of the premier units in the American League. Last season, they posted a stellar 3.44 ERA, ranking third in MLB and second in the AL, trailing only the Boston Red Sox.
This impressive group features standout arms like Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Shawn Armstrong, and Erik Sabrowski, among others. However, not everyone will secure a spot on the team.
Enter Peyton Pallette, a name that might not be on everyone's radar but certainly deserves attention. With Hunter Gaddis racing against time to be ready for Opening Day, Pallette's chances of making the roster are looking promising.
His performance in the Cactus League has been nothing short of impressive, boasting two scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Additionally, as a Rule 5 Draft pick, if Pallette doesn't make the Guardians' 26-man roster, he'll have to be offered back to the Chicago White Sox, adding another layer of intrigue to his situation.
Guardians insider Tim Stebbins sees potential in Pallette’s journey to securing a roster spot by March 26. He points out that Pallette's status as a Rule 5 pick might give him an edge, but his talent alone is making a compelling case.
Last year, Pallette struck out 86 batters over 64.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, with a solid 4.06 ERA. His four-seam fastball, which averaged 95.1 mph in Triple-A, has now reached up to 97 mph in spring training, showcasing his growth and potential.
As Vogt noted, "It’s an electric fastball and some very good complementary pitches off of it." Seeing 97, 98 on the radar is certainly eye-catching and speaks volumes about his capabilities.
While Pallette's control needs refinement, his raw power could make him a valuable asset for the Guardians. If he can consistently handle major league hitters and limit mistakes, his power arm could be a significant addition to an already formidable bullpen. Keep an eye on Pallette as he looks to carve out his place in the majors.