Cleveland Guardians News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

What to Expect from Guardians Pitcher Parker Messick

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 11:34 AM ET

The Guardians have promoted several youngsters this season, and another one is on his way. Left-hander Parker Messick, who’s had a strong season in Triple-A Columbus, will make his Major League debut for the Guardians on August 20. Messick may not be overpowering on paper but he comes with a very interesting arsenal that worked in the Minors.

A Look at Messick

It’s been a strong 2025 for Parker Messick, the Guardians left-hander who, as of August 20, is third in the International League in strikeouts (119). And, his 10.85 K/9 is second-best in the circuit, behind only Pirates star prospect Bubba Chandler (10.89).

Messick, a 2025 Futures Game selection, was a second-round pick by Cleveland in 2022 out of FSU. He spent sporadic time as a two-way player but mostly spent his time on the mound. He was a smash hit with the Seminoles, as he struck out 144 in his junior season across 98 frames.

The 24-year-old has been a strikeout machine since then. Messick struck out 136 over 121.2 IP in 2023, spending time between Low-A and High-A. The lefty then struck out 165 across 27 outings (133.2 IP) between High-A and Double-A during the 2024 campaign.

Numbers suggest he’s a strikeout pitcher but how exactly does Messick do it? For one, Messick relies heavily on a four-seamer with carry (16.8”) that averages a tick below 93 MPH (92.6) — it did, however, top out at 97 MPH. It’s a pitch he used roughly 49% of the time, and while it doesn’t have a lot of power on it, it worked to complement his other stuff.

Messick can beat hitters with a very good changeup, one with sink, fade, and separation from the fastball. It sat in the low-80s, and across Triple-A, opposing batters whiffed on it 45.6% of the time. That comes with the question: with a changeup like that, can you respect both it and the fastball as a hitter?

Parker Messick Whiff 2025 AAA This whiff map doesn’t tell the whole story for Messick. It does, though, illustrate how he can beat hitters. (via New Baseball Media)

Additionally, Messick works with a mid-80s slider, a slower curveball that sat in the mid-70s, as well as a two-seamer.

Parker Messick 2025 Pitch Movement AAA A five-pitch mix for the Guardians pitcher. (via New Baseball Media)

The 24-year-old works from a high tempo delivery and is a bit stocky. Walks have been a problem (3.8 BB/9) against advanced pitching but when on, Messick can hit his spots efficiently.

Per the team, Parker Messick will make his MLB debut on August 20, starting for the Guardians.

Analysis

We’ll see how long Messick lasts on the Major League roster, as the Guardians do have John Means working down in the Minors on his rehab assignment. As of now, he’ll join a rotation that includes Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, and Logan Allen.

But in the interim, Messick has a chance to cement his status as a pitcher who could contribute not just in 2026 but also the rest of 2025.

A move like this isn’t surprising; Messick, as noted earlier, was drafted out of college in 2022 and was Rule 5 Draft-eligible. His 2025 season locked up his status as a keeper.

Messick has the stuff to be an effective Major League pitcher. However, the key will be for him to keep everything together.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: