In the sun-soaked fields of Tempe, Arizona, a young pitching prospect is making waves in the Guardians' farm system. Joey Oakie, a 19-year-old right-hander, is carving his own path, inspired by the likes of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. On Thursday, Oakie showcased his talent in the Guardians’ 4-2 victory over the Angels during the Spring Breakout game.
Ranked as the Guardians’ No. 10 prospect, Oakie delivered two scoreless innings, allowing just two singles and a walk while striking out three. His fastball was electric, with 17 of his 34 pitches clocking in at 97 mph or above, peaking at a blistering 99.1 mph.
Erlin Cerda, the Guardians’ Spring Breakout manager, is impressed by Oakie’s progress. “He was hitting 94, 95 mph last year, and now he’s consistently higher.
It shows he’s putting in the work,” Cerda noted. Having been the bench coach for Hill City, Cerda has seen Oakie’s growth firsthand since he was drafted in the third round in 2024.
Oakie’s journey began in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League, where he debuted with a 7.46 ERA. The transition from high school to the pros was a learning curve, but Oakie embraced the resources available to him. By mid-season, he had found his rhythm, which was evident when he moved up to Single-A, posting a 2.22 ERA over six starts.
His arsenal is diverse, featuring a sweeper, slider, and changeup alongside his four-seamer and sinker. Oakie’s first pitch on Thursday was a 98 mph heater, setting the tone for his outing. He quickly dispatched the first two batters, including Angels’ prospect Juan Flores, with a mix of fastballs and sliders.
Oakie’s performance hints at a promising future. He’s expected to start the season with Hill City, with the big leagues in sight.
Reflecting on his progress, Oakie said, “I feel like I’ve taken another step since last year. I’m really excited for what this season holds.”
Meanwhile, Yorman Gómez and Wuilfredo Antunez also made their mark. Gómez, added to the Guardians’ 40-man roster in November, delivered three scoreless innings, while Antunez powered a three-run homer with a 102.6 mph exit velocity.
Gómez, who posted a 2.96 ERA last season, expressed his readiness for the upcoming season. “It felt good to start and show what I’m capable of,” he shared through an interpreter.
Together, these performances paint a bright picture for the Guardians’ future, with young talents like Oakie, Gómez, and Antunez leading the charge.