Joey Cantillo

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #10 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium.
  
  Track Record: The Padres signed Cantillo out of his Hawaii high school in 2017 for $302,500 in the 16th round, then traded him to the Guardians in the 2020 deal that sent Mike Clevinger to San Diego. Cantillo battled injuries in subsequent years—an oblique in 2021, a shoulder in 2022, a hamstring in 2024—but made his MLB debut in 2024 and posted a 4.89 ERA in 38.2 innings in the regular season and made three postseason relief appearances.
  
  Scouting Report: Cantillo has a great pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and works from the third base side of the rubber with a high three-quarters arm slot and a drop-and-drive action in his lower half. He has been up to 97-98 mph in the past but typically sits around 92-93 with his four-seam fastball that looks like an average offering. His changeup has long been his most reliable secondary. It’s a consistent plus offering and reliable swing-and-miss pitch that checks in around 77-80 mph with good fade and tumbling life. Cantillo began using his upper-70s curveball more frequently in 2024. The pitch has elite depth and active spin. He averaged around 18 inches of depth with the pitch and around 2,600 rpm in spin rate—both above-average figures for a curveball, which makes it difficult to square up for damage. Cleveland now views the pitch as one of the better curves in the system, though his 80-85 mph slider played better as a swing-and-miss breaking ball in 2024. Cantillo has had below-average control for most of his pro career but made strides in a four-start September, when he managed a 63% strike rate.
  
  The Future: Cantillo profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter whose reliability and consistency will depend on the command of his secondaries and his health. He is MLB ready if Cleveland needs him.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 40.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 50.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #11 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after his fastball sat in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and were able to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo rewarded that belief with a breakout 2019 season, when he led the organization with 144 strikeouts. He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger. He was limited by injuries in his first two seasons with his new organization--an oblique in 2021 and a shoulder in 2022--but he came on strong in 2023 and impressed with Triple-A Columbus.
  
  Scouting Report: Cantillo long had a projectable look and his velocity had ticked up a bit while still with the Padres. He’s since made bigger gains, however, and touched 98 mph in a short stint at the Futures Game. His fastball typically averaged about 93 mph, and with the added velocity--as well as the angle he throws from and the carry he gets on the pitch--it has become an above-average offering that gets swings and misses. His changeup remains a plus pitch and generates swings and misses as well. His slider is his third pitch and is a fringy offering, while he also occasionally shows a below-average curveball. The increased velocity hasn’t helped his control, which now rates below-average.
  
  The Future: Cantillo’s strong 2023 put him on the cusp of the big leagues, a year after he was first added to the 40-man roster. Breaking into the Guardians’ rotation is no easy task, but he has the tools to be a big league starter. Still, he’ll likely return to Columbus to open the 2024 season, with an eye on refining his control.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 40
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #18 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after his fastball sat in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and were able to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo rewarded that belief with a breakout 2019 season where he led the organization with 144 strikeouts. He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger. An oblique injury limited him to just 13 innings in 2021, but he made a strong impression with Double-A Akron in 2022 before a shoulder injury at the end of July ended his season.
  
  Scouting Report: Cantillo long had a projectable look and his velocity had ticked up a bit while still with the Padres. But he made a bigger move during the offseason and his fastball averaged 92 mph in 2022. Between the added velocity, the angle he throws from and the carry he gets on his fastball, the pitch has become an above-average offering capable of getting swings and misses. His changeup remains a plus pitch and generates swings and misses as well. He throws both a curveball and a slider, with the slider the more advanced of his breaking balls. He pitches with average control.
  
  The Future: While injuries have slowed Cantillo in each of the last two seasons, the Guardians were still encouraged enough by his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November. With a fully healthy 2023, he could pitch his way to Cleveland. Breaking into the Guardians' rotation is no easy task, but Cantillo has the tools to be a big league starter if he can maintain his velocity gains.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 50
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #17 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after sitting in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and went well over slot to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo broke out in 2019 and led the Padres organization in strikeouts (144). He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a projectable frame and has already seen his velocity tick up as he's physically matured, with more still potentially to come. He throws his fastball in the upper 80s and the high-spin rate he gets on the pitch helps it play better than its velocity. His changeup is a plus pitch and has the ability to miss bats. His curveball lags behind his other two offerings, but with added power could become an average pitch. He throws a lot of strikes and has a good understanding of how to attack hitters.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo offers solid upside as a three-pitch starter if he grows into more velocity and refines his curveball. He may be ready for Double-A in 2021.
• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #11 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited interest after sitting 83-88 mph in high school, but he intrigued the Padres by touching 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They drafted him in the 16th round and signed him for $302,500—fifth-round money—to keep him from a Kentucky commitment. Cantillo spent most of his first two seasons in Rookie ball before the Padres unleashed him in 2019. He led the low Class A Midwest League in ERA until an August promotion and led the organization with 144 strikeouts.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a long, angular body at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and keeps growing into more velocity. His fastball now sits 88-91 mph and touches 94. Cantillo's devastating upper-70s changeup at the bottom of the zone is a borderline plus-plus offering with the added separation from his fastball, while his low-70s, downer curveball shows good shape and spin and could become average. Cantillo is a smart worker who attacks the strike zone and understands how to mix his pitches.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo put himself on the map as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter. He will begin 2020 at high Class A Lake Elsinore.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Midwest League #11 prospect in 2019
  Joining the notoriously young ranks of the Padres' farm system as a 16th-round pick in 2017, Cantillo is seemingly doing everything he can to shed the late-round draft label and 2019 was no exception. Now in his third minor league season and still only 19 years old, Cantillo impressed both coaching staff and scouts alike with a highly advanced understanding for working his pitch mix to his advantage against Midwest League hitters. "Love him. That’s my guy,” one scout said. "He’s a big guy with touch and feel, has a really good changeup and he’s gonna throw harder. He can spin his curveball, just doesn’t throw it hard. He’s gonna throw it harder.” Cantillo’s jump to high Class A Lake Elsinore wasn’t nearly as kind, but youth and projection both play to Cantillo’s favor, buying him time to put the pieces together as he continues to move forward.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after his fastball sat in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and were able to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo rewarded that belief with a breakout 2019 season where he led the organization with 144 strikeouts. He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger. An oblique injury limited him to just 13 innings in 2021, but he made a strong impression with Double-A Akron in 2022 before a shoulder injury at the end of July ended his season.
  
  Scouting Report: Cantillo long had a projectable look and his velocity had ticked up a bit while still with the Padres. But he made a bigger move during the offseason and his fastball averaged 92 mph in 2022. Between the added velocity, the angle he throws from and the carry he gets on his fastball, the pitch has become an above-average offering capable of getting swings and misses. His changeup remains a plus pitch and generates swings and misses as well. He throws both a curveball and a slider, with the slider the more advanced of his breaking balls. He pitches with average control.
  
  The Future: While injuries have slowed Cantillo in each of the last two seasons, the Guardians were still encouraged enough by his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November. With a fully healthy 2023, he could pitch his way to Cleveland. Breaking into the Guardians' rotation is no easy task, but Cantillo has the tools to be a big league starter if he can maintain his velocity gains.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 50
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after his fastball sat in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and were able to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo rewarded that belief with a breakout 2019 season where he led the organization with 144 strikeouts. He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger. An oblique injury limited him to just 13 innings in 2021, but he made a strong impression with Double-A Akron in 2022 before a shoulder injury at the end of July ended his season.
  
  Scouting Report: Cantillo long had a projectable look and his velocity had ticked up a bit while still with the Padres. But he made a bigger move during the offseason and his fastball averaged 92 mph in 2022. Between the added velocity, the angle he throws from and the carry he gets on his fastball, the pitch has become an above-average offering capable of getting swings and misses. His changeup remains a plus pitch and generates swings and misses as well. He throws both a curveball and a slider, with the slider the more advanced of his breaking balls. He pitches with average control.
  
  The Future: While injuries have slowed Cantillo in each of the last two seasons, the Guardians were still encouraged enough by his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November. With a fully healthy 2023, he could pitch his way to Cleveland. Breaking into the Guardians' rotation is no easy task, but Cantillo has the tools to be a big league starter if he can maintain his velocity gains.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 50
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Midseason Update: Cantillo was acquired by Cleveland in the deal that sent Mike Clevinger to San Diego. He did an excellent job over the offseason adding strength to his frame and has seen a corresponding boost in velocity, with his four-seam fastball now sitting in the low 90s and peaking at 93. He pairs the fastball with a changeup that could be at least above-average if not plus as he matures, and is continuing to hone the development of his curveball and slider. He&#39s performed exceptionally well this season with Double-A Akron.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after sitting in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and went well over slot to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo broke out in 2019 and led the Padres organization in strikeouts (144). He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a projectable frame and has already seen his velocity tick up as he's physically matured, with more still potentially to come. He throws his fastball in the upper 80s and the high-spin rate he gets on the pitch helps it play better than its velocity. His changeup is a plus pitch and has the ability to miss bats. His curveball lags behind his other two offerings, but with added power could become an average pitch. He throws a lot of strikes and has a good understanding of how to attack hitters.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo offers solid upside as a three-pitch starter if he grows into more velocity and refines his curveball. He may be ready for Double-A in 2021.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after sitting in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and went well over slot to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo broke out in 2019 and led the Padres organization in strikeouts (144). He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a projectable frame and has already seen his velocity tick up as he's physically matured, with more still potentially to come. He throws his fastball in the upper 80s and the high-spin rate he gets on the pitch helps it play better than its velocity. His changeup is a plus pitch and has the ability to miss bats. His curveball lags behind his other two offerings, but with added power could become an average pitch. He throws a lot of strikes and has a good understanding of how to attack hitters.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo offers solid upside as a three-pitch starter if he grows into more velocity and refines his curveball. He may be ready for Double-A in 2021.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after sitting in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and went well over slot to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo broke out in 2019 and led the Padres organization in strikeouts (144). He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a projectable frame and has already seen his velocity tick up as he's physically matured, with more still potentially to come. He throws his fastball in the upper 80s and the high-spin rate he gets on the pitch helps it play better than its velocity. His changeup is a plus pitch and has the ability to miss bats. His curveball lags behind his other two offerings, but with added power could become an average pitch. He throws a lot of strikes and has a good understanding of how to attack hitters.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo offers solid upside as a three-pitch starter if he grows into more velocity and refines his curveball. He may be ready for Double-A in 2021.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited interest after sitting 83-88 mph in high school, but he intrigued the Padres by touching 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They drafted him in the 16th round and signed him for $302,500—fifth-round money—to keep him from a Kentucky commitment. Cantillo spent most of his first two seasons in Rookie ball before the Padres unleashed him in 2019. He led the low Class A Midwest League in ERA until an August promotion and led the organization with 144 strikeouts.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a long, angular body at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and keeps growing into more velocity. His fastball now sits 88-91 mph and touches 94. Cantillo’s devastating upper-70s changeup at the bottom of the zone is a borderline plus-plus offering with the added separation from his fastball, while his low-70s, downer curveball shows good shape and spin and could become average. Cantillo is a smart worker who attacks the strike zone and understands how to mix his pitches.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo put himself on the map as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter. He will begin 2020 at high Class A Lake Elsinore.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited interest after sitting 83-88 mph in high school, but he intrigued the Padres by touching 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They drafted him in the 16th round and signed him for $302,500—fifth-round money—to keep him from a Kentucky commitment. Cantillo spent most of his first two seasons in Rookie ball before the Padres unleashed him in 2019. He led the low Class A Midwest League in ERA until an August promotion and led the organization with 144 strikeouts.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a long, angular body at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and keeps growing into more velocity. His fastball now sits 88-91 mph and touches 94. Cantillo's devastating upper-70s changeup at the bottom of the zone is a borderline plus-plus offering with the added separation from his fastball, while his low-70s, downer curveball shows good shape and spin and could become average. Cantillo is a smart worker who attacks the strike zone and understands how to mix his pitches.
  
  THE FUTURE: Cantillo put himself on the map as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter. He will begin 2020 at high Class A Lake Elsinore.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Joining the notoriously young ranks of the Padres' farm system as a 16th-round pick in 2017, Cantillo is seemingly doing everything he can to shed the late-round draft label and 2019 was no exception. Now in his third minor league season and still only 19 years old, Cantillo impressed both coaching staff and scouts alike with a highly advanced understanding for working his pitch mix to his advantage against Midwest League hitters. "Love him. That’s my guy,” one scout said. "He’s a big guy with touch and feel, has a really good changeup and he’s gonna throw harder. He can spin his curveball, just doesn’t throw it hard. He’s gonna throw it harder.” Cantillo’s jump to high Class A Lake Elsinore wasn’t nearly as kind, but youth and projection both play to Cantillo’s favor, buying him time to put the pieces together as he continues to move forward.