The Cleveland Guardians Add An Unlikely Ace In The 2024 Draft
Death, taxes, and the Cleveland Guardians producing CY Young caliber starting pitching. These are the only certainties in life. Before the 2024 MLB Draft, the overall opinion was the Guardians were weak in farm system starting pitching depth. While some noteworthy names such as Carter Spivey, Matt Wilkinson, Ryan Webb, and Alex Clemmey are progressing well, those on the outs of the organization are not giving enough notice to any outside of Tugboat Wilkinson for his frame. It is no surprise the Guardians made pitching a priority in the MLB Draft. One of the most promising names is that of Caden Favors. The Wichita State alumni have some of that sneaky ace appeal the Guardians have thrived on in the past.
Cleveland wasn’t shy about adding starter depth in the draft. They took a very high-upside approach by selecting 3 high school arms in the first 10 rounds. Favors is not of that mold. A dominant collegiate starter for the rather unheralded Wichita State Shockers, as it stands now, the money is not on him to be the best pitcher of the Guardians 2024 Draft Class. To be honest, that is a rather fair bet at this point. However, there is a very high chance that Favors does indeed blossom into the next Guardians ace.
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With Favors, the Guardians added a potential ace to the farm system. At Wichita State, Favors was arguably one of the nation’s best starters. In 17 appearances, Favors went 9-4 with a 3.21 ERA. What many need to pay much closer attention to, though, his outlandish K/BB ratio of 5.35:1. Favors struck out over 5 batters before issuing one walk. His 1.69 walks per nine was the lowest rate in the American Athletic Conference. In addition, Favors added 107 K’s in his 106 innings of work. This included two consecutive games of 10+ strikeouts.
The scouting report sounds very reminiscent of Guardians’ mid-round 2023 Draft steal, and current Hi-A ace, Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson. Both are very sound at locating pitches. Favors does not pride himself on high-velocity pitches. With a fastball that sneaks into the low-90s, he is not like the typical draftees who pride the velocity over the control. Favors stated the following to the Wichita Eagle.
“Today’s game is dominated by velocity, but I’m more of an old-school kind of pitcher,” Favors said “I take pride in pitching, not just throwing really hard. I would tell (Cleveland fans) that they’re getting a competitor. I believe I can go out and compete against anybody. Hopefully, I can show that and make an impact right away and reach the big leagues eventually.”
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Cleveland themselves took high-velocity high school arms in the draft. Favors is the complete opposite end of the spectrum. What I like most is that Favors knows the kind of pitcher he is. This is not someone who will go out there and try to blow fastballs past you. Favors will work the zone and make batters work. The lower velo pitchers are masters of painting the zone. Favors has a 4-pitch mix he uses that includes two fastball variations, and he locates them all well. The obvious fear is that Favors could end up as a reliever. I am not of that belief in the slightest.
Seeing as Favors threw back-to-back games of 10 K’s last season, he is more than capable of racking up the K’s. As the Guardians look to develop him for the majors, they’ll expand on his control and unlock the K potential. All signs point to him being developed as a starter until the RP designation becomes too apparent. In that case, it will likely be just a matter of circumstance and limited spots on the major league or AAA roster. It is assumed that Favors will not show up on any Guardians Top-30 lists next season (unless he dominates the minors in this year’s campaign). Favors will go under the radar like so many other Guardians pitching prospects. That seems perfect for his future as a starter in Cleveland.
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
