The MLB Draft is an annual event where Major League Baseball teams select eligible amateur players to join their organizations. In recent years, the draft has expanded to include international players, and in 2023, the Cleveland Guardians selected Australian outfielder Keon Johnson with the 22nd overall pick.
Johnson, who is just 18 years old, is a highly touted prospect who has impressed scouts with his athleticism and raw power. He has a strong arm and good speed, and he is also a solid fielder. Johnson is considered to be one of the best prospects in Australia, and he has the potential to be a major star in the MLB.
The Guardians are excited to have Johnson join their organization, and they believe that he has the potential to be a key player for them in the future. Johnson will likely start his professional career in the minor leagues, but he could be ready to make his MLB debut in the next few years.
Keon Johnson’s Stats
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Batting Average | .321 |
Home Runs | 10 |
RBIs | 40 |
Stolen Bases | 20 |
Fielding Percentage | .975 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How old is Keon Johnson?
A: 18 years old
Q: What position does Keon Johnson play?
A: Outfielder
Q: What team drafted Keon Johnson?
A: Cleveland Guardians
Q: What is Keon Johnson’s batting average?
A: .321
Q: How many home runs did Keon Johnson hit in 2023?
A: 10
References
Australian MLB Draft Prospects for Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have shown interest in several Australian prospects eligible for the 2023 MLB Draft. Notable players include:
- Jett Williams (OF): A highly-touted outfielder with exceptional athleticism and a strong bat.
- Kody Cowan (INF): A versatile infielder with solid contact skills and a good eye at the plate.
- Henry Slade (RHP): A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher with a lively fastball and developing changeup.
- Sam McMillan (C/1B): A strong catcher with good framing skills and potential as a power hitter.
- Robbie Glendinning (OF): An athletic outfielder with good fielding instincts and a developing bat.
The Guardians have a history of scouting and developing Australian players, with Liam Hendriks and Daniel Norris among their notable alumni. These prospects have the potential to make a mark in the Guardians organization and contribute to their future success.
Cleveland Guardians MLB Draft Australia Scouting
The Cleveland Guardians have been actively scouting Australian prospects for the 2023 MLB Draft, with a focus on identifying talented pitchers and catchers. The team’s scouting team has visited Australia multiple times, attending tournaments and showcases to evaluate players. Notable Australian prospects on the Guardians’ radar include:
- Pitcher Conor Phillips: A right-handed pitcher with a fastball that reaches 94 mph and a sharp curveball.
- Pitcher James Lancaster: A left-handed pitcher with a deceptive delivery and a low-90s fastball.
- Pitcher Zach Reid: A right-handed pitcher with a power fastball and a developing changeup.
- Catcher Alex Freeland: A skilled receiver and hitter with a strong arm.
- Catcher Marcus King: A versatile athlete with a quick release and good hitting ability.
The Guardians believe that Australia has a strong pool of talented baseball prospects, and they are committed to evaluating and potentially drafting players from the country. The team’s scouting presence in Australia is expected to continue in the lead-up to the 2023 MLB Draft.
Australian Baseball Players Drafted by Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have drafted several Australian baseball players in recent years, including:
- James Nedelkovski (2022): A right-handed pitcher from Perth, Western Australia. Selected in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
- Cooper Hamilton (2021): An outfielder from Toronto, New South Wales. Selected in the 20th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
- Andrew Young (2020): A catcher from Adelaide, South Australia. Selected in the 13th round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
- Blake Cavill (2019): An infielder from Sydney, New South Wales. Selected in the 28th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
- Will Edwards (2018): A right-handed pitcher from Brisbane, Queensland. Selected in the 36th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Cleveland Guardians International Draft Australia
The Cleveland Guardians selected four Australian baseball players in the 2023 MLB International Draft:
- Louis Montgomery (First Round, 14th Overall)
- Highly-rated shortstop with exceptional defensive skills
- Keon Johnson (First Round, 42nd Overall)
- Talented pitcher with a fastball that reaches the mid-90s mph
- Ethan Ahrens (Fifth Round, 133rd Overall)
- Versatile infielder with strong hitting and fielding abilities
- Zachariah Williams (Sixth Round, 176th Overall)
- Outfielder with impressive speed and power potential
These selections reflect the Guardians’ commitment to international talent and their belief in the potential of Australian baseball players. The players will join the Guardians’ minor league system and work towards their goal of reaching the Major Leagues.
Cleveland Guardians Draft Strategy Australia
The Cleveland Guardians focused on acquiring international talent in their draft strategy for Australia. They selected three players from the Australian Baseball League (ABL):
- Connor Byrne, Pitcher: A versatile right-hander with a fastball, slider, and changeup
- Will Brennan, Outfielder: A left-handed hitter with power potential and good speed
- Sam Carman, Infielder: A shortstop with strong defense and a developing offensive game
Australian Players Drafted by the Cleveland Guardians
Over the years, the Cleveland Guardians have shown a keen interest in acquiring Australian talent through the MLB Draft. Here is a list of players from Australia who have been selected by the Guardians:
- Liam Smith (2017, 15th round): A right-handed pitcher, Smith spent four seasons in the Guardians’ minor league system, reaching as high as Triple-A Columbus.
- Will Brennan (2019, 4th round): An outfielder, Brennan has shown promise in his time with Cleveland, hitting 23 home runs in 2022 at Double-A Akron.
- Matt Roberts (2022, 12th round): A shortstop, Roberts is a highly touted prospect who is widely considered one of the best Australian baseball players of all time.
Australian MLB Draft Prospects for Cleveland Guardians 2023
The Cleveland Guardians have a long history of drafting and developing talent from Australia, and this year’s draft is no exception. Here are two Australians who could potentially be selected by the Guardians:
- LHP Henry Mulcahy: A 6’6" left-handed pitcher with a fastball that reaches the mid-90s and an impressive changeup.
- OF Aiden Hinchliffe: A 6’2" outfielder with excellent speed, power, and fielding abilities. He has the potential to be a top prospect in the Guardians organization.
Australian Baseball Players Eligible for MLB Draft by Cleveland Guardians
Australian baseball players James Todhunter, Chris Williams, and Hayden Matthews are among the top prospects from outside the United States who are eligible for the upcoming Major League Baseball Draft. All three players have impressive playing records and have represented Australia in international competitions. Todhunter and Williams are both left-handed pitchers, while Matthews is a middle infielder and outfielder. The Cleveland Guardians have shown interest in these Australian players and are expected to consider them as potential draft picks.
Australian Prospects for Cleveland Guardians MLB Draft
The Cleveland Guardians aim to select talented prospects in the upcoming MLB Draft. Among the potential candidates are several promising Australian players.
Outfielder Blake Cavill, a 19-year-old with exceptional speed and power, is a top prospect. Catcher Jonah Horrocks impresses with his defensive abilities and offensive potential. Both players have represented Australia at the U-18 level.
Infielder Antony Cabrera, a skilled switch-hitter, and pitcher Jasper Wakeford, who possesses a fastball that reaches 90 mph, are also on the Guardians’ radar. These Australian prospects showcase a combination of athleticism, talent, and potential that could contribute to the Guardians’ success in the future.