The Guardians’ big league pitching staff is stocked with homegrown arms and others developed by the organization while still in the minor leagues.
Lefthander Parker Messick is no exception. The Guardians drafted him out of Florida State in the second round in 2022.
The 24-year-old was a consistent performer all season at Triple-A Columbus, where he recorded a 3.47 ERA in 20 starts with 119 strikeouts and 42 walks in 98.2 innings.
“What led to Parker’s success this season was who he is as a competitor,” Guardians assistant GM James Harris said. “He never backs down from a challenge.”
Cleveland called Messick up on Aug. 20, and he delivered quality starts in four out of his first five MLB turns to help keep the Guardians’ dim wild card hopes afloat. It continues a trend that began when he was on campus at FSU.
“He was awesome owning his development path, tapping into our coaches and group at Triple-A,” Harris said. “That has continued into the big leagues with pitching coach Carl Willis and his team.
“We have confidence that Parker is going to do everything to maximize his potential and also be ready and prepared to compete.”
Since being drafted by Cleveland, Messick has consistently attempted to build on his pitching arsenal. He doesn’t overpower batters but effectively mixes a four-seam fastball, sinker, changeup, slider and curveball to keep batters off balance.
“An offseason of physical work and owning patterns helped raise his velo floor,” Harris said, “while in-season routines, commitment physically and developmental awareness has helped him maintain his power during the season.”
Messick helped fortify the Guardians’ rotation late this summer and is primed for a larger role next season.