Parker Messick’s Stuff Ticks Up With Added Strength At Guardians Camp
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The Guardians used 13 of 21 picks in the 2022 draft to select pitchers. Their third-highest bonus in that class went to second-round Florida State lefthander Parker Messick.
From college ace to pro routine, Messick has made a smooth transition. The squat, 6-foot southpaw spent the second half of last season at Double-A Akron, where he recorded a 2.06 ERA in 65.2 innings along with 85 strikeouts and 21 walks.
He was one of just 20 minor league pitchers to strike out at least 30% of batters while compiling at least 100 innings.
“Parker had a great camp,” Guardians assistant GM James Harris said. “He worked very hard this offseason with our pitching team, led by Ben Johnson. Physically, he added lean mass and strength. He showed strides in raising his velocity ceiling and floor.”
That uptick in velocity was not unexpected. Messick arrived at FSU with a fastball that touched 95 mph. The 24-year-old averaged about 92 mph last season and topped out near 96. He also throws a changeup, cutter, curveball and slider.
Messick opened eyes on more than one front this spring.
“Parker has been getting encouraging results on swings and misses,” Harris said. “He continues to work on the execution of his slider and his curveball to sharpen his repertoire. He is known as a competitor on the mound, and we are excited by his progress.”
Messick has the potential to move quickly this season. He should reach Triple-A Columbus in short order—if he doesn’t open there.
That he is a lefthander can only help his progression. Cleveland opens the season with only one lefthander, Logan T. Allen, in its rotation. Rookie southpaw Joey Cantillo made the club as a reliever.
The Guardians also have lefties Doug Nikhazy, Matt Wilkinson, Josh Hartle, Michael Kennedy and Jackson Humphries developing alongside Messick in the minor leagues.
