The Cleveland Guardians are crafting one of the most exciting young pitching pipelines in baseball, and Joey Oakie is already turning heads this spring with his standout performance.
Oakie, a rising star in the Guardians' system, recently showcased his skills in the Spring Breakout game, reminding everyone why the organization is buzzing about his potential.
For Oakie, this outing was more than just about the stats; it was a testament to his rapid development over the past year.
“It’s great because I feel like there were two parts of last year,” Oakie shared. “I improved a lot in between, and now I feel like I’ve taken another step since last year. I’m really excited to get out there this year.”
And that confidence was evident on the field.
Oakie pitched two scoreless innings, giving up only two singles and a walk while striking out three. His powerful arm was on full display, but perhaps even more impressive was the noticeable uptick in his velocity.
The right-hander consistently hit the upper-90s, with several pitches reaching 97 mph and peaking near 99 mph. For a 19-year-old still early in his career, this combination of velocity and improving command signals a promising future.
The Guardians' coaching staff is certainly taking note of his progress.
“It’s fun to see him,” said Erlin Cerda, the Guardians’ Spring Breakout manager. “He was around 94, 95 last year, and then he just started getting up, getting up. That means he’s doing what he needs to do to put himself in a really good position.”
Oakie’s development has been encouraging. He started last season in the Arizona Complex League, experiencing the usual growing pains of transitioning to pro ball. But once he found his groove, his performance soared.
After a midseason move to Single-A, Oakie finished strong with a 2.22 ERA, showcasing improved command and confidence. That late-season momentum seems to have carried into 2026.
Beyond his velocity, Oakie is refining a diverse pitch arsenal. His repertoire includes a fastball, slider, sweeper, changeup, and sinker, giving him multiple tools to keep hitters guessing.
As the season approaches, Oakie is set to start in the minors, focusing on consistency and refining his approach. Like many young pitchers, honing command and building endurance will be crucial for his continued growth.