Guardians’ Petey Halpin Showcases Speed And Defense
Two young Guardians players helped Cleveland clinch a postseason berth.
In a Sept. 27 game against the Rangers, Guardians rookie C.J. Kayfus was hit by a Robert Garcia pitch with the bases loaded, two outs and the score tied in the ninth inning to drive in the deciding run in a 3-2 Cleveland victory.
Scoring that walk-off run was 23-year-old center fielder Petey Halpin.
Halpin made his MLB debut on Sept. 20 and appeared in six games, serving mostly as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. He went 2-for-6 at the plate.
In 126 games for Triple-A Columbus this season, he batted .249/.321/.414 with a 14 home runs, a career high, and 15 stolen bases.
“Petey had a great developmental year, ultimately helping us win a division and compete in the postseason,” Guardians GM Mike Chernoff said. “He is a dynamic player who combines excellent speed with outstanding defense in both center field and the corners.”
Drafted in the third round in 2020 out of a NorCal high school, Halpin spent a year at Low-A, a year at High-A and two years at Double-A Akron.
At 6 feet, 200 pounds, Halpin is a lefthanded batter who can hold his own at the plate and in the field.
“As this year went on, he took on an even more aggressive mindset with both his baserunning and his defense,” Chernoff said. “That helped him translate his tools into on-field success in both areas.”
Halpin has always been young for his level, but Chernoff said: “He has matured a lot as a hitter and started to refine his approach at the plate to allow him to tap into both his contact and impact skills.”
Where Halpin ultimately lands as a hitter and defender remain to be seen. What is not up for debate, however, is his competitive nature.
“He has a strong motivation to keep improving, and we are excited about what his future can hold, especially after getting his first taste of the major leagues,” Chernoff said.
