Jhonkensy Noel, an infielder for the Cleveland Guardians in professional baseball, was born in the Dominican Republic on July 15, 2001. On July 15, 2017, Noel joined the Cleveland Indians organization as an unrestricted foreign free agent.
In 64 games with the Dominican Summer League Indians in 2018, he made his professional debut, batting.243 with 10 home runs and 34 runs batted in. He played for the Indians of the Arizona League in 2019, hitting.287 over 47 games with six home runs and 42 runs batted in.
Due to the postponement of the minor league season in 2020, he did not participate in a single game.
Noel played parts of the 2021 season for the Lynchburg Hillcats, Lake County Captains, and Arizona League teams. Four members of the Guardians’ 2017 foreign class were added to their 40-man roster in November, with Noel being the most unlikely.
He was signed for $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic, but prior to last season, he had never played above Rookie-ball. He advanced to High-A by hitting.340/.390/.615 with 19 home runs in just 70 games despite having left hand and ankle problems.
Noel played most of the time at third base in 2021 after primarily playing first base in his first two professional seasons. Although he possesses good arm strength, his efficiency at the hot corner is constrained by his average quickness and range.
He might develop into a decent third baseman, but it’s more probable that he’ll play first base or DH.