Jhonkensy Noel is back on the open market, and this latest turn comes after the Baltimore Orioles released him from their Triple-A team on Wednesday.
Noel had been on the 7-day injured list before the move, and the timing only adds another layer of uncertainty to a player whose career has already taken a sharp detour since his memorable run with Cleveland. Andy Kostka reported the release, and the Orioles’ decision leaves Noel searching for another opportunity once again.
For Guardians fans, Noel will always carry one defining memory: his game-tying home run against the Yankees in the 2024 American League Division Series. That moment made him a postseason icon in Cleveland, even though his overall 2025 season was rough enough to leave him with a negative bWAR.
His exit from the Guardians came last December, when Cleveland designated him for assignment to create room for reliever Justin Bruihl, who was later DFA’d himself. Noel spent about a month in free agency before landing with Baltimore and reuniting with former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz.
That stay didn’t last long. The Orioles designated him for assignment two days after signing him, and after he cleared waivers, he opened the season at Triple-A Norfolk.
In 30 games there, he hit just .121/.217/.243 with three home runs and 14 RBI. He also stole 36 steals.
Noel did get into one game in the Florida Rookie League on Tuesday and went 2-for-4, but he was released shortly after. Because he had been dealing with left wrist inflammation, it’s fair to wonder whether that injury played a role in the move.
Either way, the trend line is hard to ignore. Noel flashed big power when he broke through in 2024, but that momentum disappeared last season.
He finished with a .162 batting average, a 49% chase rate and an OPS+ of just 31. He also struck out three times in his lone postseason appearance and struggled defensively at first base.
The Guardians still had a reason to value him at the time because of his right-handed power, which made the DFA a difficult call. But the decision has held up well, especially with Chase DeLauter becoming an everyday outfield option and Petey Halpin and Khalil Watson taking advantage of their chances this season.
There’s also some irony in the Orioles moving on from Noel on the same day they called up Johnathan Rodríguez.
A reunion in Cleveland would make sense if Noel is healthy and ready to go again, especially since he wouldn’t require a 40-man roster spot. The wrist issue is the obvious concern, but the path back is still there.
Noel’s first big moment came in a Guardians uniform. The next one, if it comes, will have to start with another fresh opportunity.
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