Even though the Cleveland Guardians’ season is over, there are still plenty of players for the organization competing around the world in different Fall and Winter Leagues.

Competing in the offseason games in players’ native countries can mean a lot to them, but it’s also a great time for them to try out new things and make meaningful growth before spring training. 

One of those players to whom this applies is Jhonkensy Noel, who’s taking part in the Dominican Winter League. Through the power hitter’s first six games, he’s raising some eyebrows for a few reasons. 

Noel already hit two home runs and a pair of singles through his first 22 at-bats, coming out to an OPS of .919.

We’ve seen Noel go through stretches like this before; he’s always been known to be a streaky hitter. That said, this success could be different considering Noel has made some noticeable changes to his batting stance.

During the 2025 MLB season, Noel clearly had his hands tucked back, low, and close to his hips. It was always an awkward decision, but it was working for him in the minors, so there was no need to change anything.

However, Noel hasn’t been able to find consistent success in the big leagues, so it was time for a change.

The 24-year-old is rocking a new stance in Winter League play, and now his hands are much higher up before the initial load up.

Theoretically, this change could help Noel be more precise with his swing path and generate more contact, which is something Noel must improve at, considering he had a 34.7 percent whiff-rate and a 34 percent strikeout rate at the MLB level in 2025.

Noel will likely compete for playing time in 2026 with Cleveland, which has a crowded young outfield.

That said, if the 24-year-old continues to have success in Winter ball with this new-look batting stance, the Guardians should definitely be willing to give him plenty of looks in spring training to see if the change plays against big-league pitching. 

Noel only hit six home runs with a .480 OPS during the 2026 MLB season, but he still has plenty of potential and natural talent. Perhaps this swing modification will help him tap into more of that skill.