Jhonkensy Noel, known as “Big Christmas,” is one of the most exciting young power hitters in Major League Baseball. In this article, you’ll get a complete look at his personal background, early and professional career, family life, latest contract, salary, career earnings, endorsements, and his up-to-date MLB stats.
Jhonkensy Noel’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jhonkensy Albert Noel |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 2001 |
| Age | 23 |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190 cm) |
| Weight | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 (signed as international free agent) |
| MLB Debut | June 26, 2024 |
| Net Worth | $1.2 million |
| Salary | $766,900 |
| Career Earnings | $1,244,810 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Girlfriend: Chantal Duran |
| Children | Daughter: Jayla |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Jhonkensy Noel was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, on July 15, 2001. Growing up in a region famous for producing baseball talent, Noel’s path to professional baseball was shaped by both hardship and determination.
His family faced daily challenges, sometimes struggling to find basic necessities, but Noel’s love for baseball and his drive to succeed never wavered.
He started playing baseball at a young age, showing off his natural strength and powerful swing. By the time he was 12, he was already training at the Dominican Academy, hoping to catch the eye of scouts.
At 13, he represented his hometown in a tournament, standing out for his size and potential. Noel’s mother played a big part in his athletic build, and he credits her for his strong legs, which help power his swing.
Noel idolized David Ortiz, dreaming of following in his footsteps as a feared slugger. His big break came in 2017 when the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) signed him as an international free agent.
He made his professional debut in 2018 with the Dominican Summer League Indians, where he hit .243 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 64 games. This performance quickly put him on the radar as a future power hitter.
Professional Career
After his standout 2021 season, the Guardians added Noel to their 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. In 2022, he played for three different minor league teams: Lake County Captains, Akron RubberDucks, and Columbus Clippers.
Across these levels, he hit 32 home runs and drove in 84 runs, though his batting average dipped to .229. Despite the lower average, his power numbers kept him on the fast track to the majors.
Noel spent the entire 2023 season with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, where he hit 27 home runs and had 85 RBIs. He was called up briefly but didn’t make his MLB debut until June 26, 2024.
In his very first at-bat, Noel made history by hitting a 413-foot home run to center field, becoming just the fourth Cleveland player to homer in his first career at-bat. His powerful swing and infectious smile quickly made him a fan favorite.
Nicknamed “Big Christmas” by his teammates, Noel brought energy and excitement to the Guardians’ lineup. In 2024, he played 67 games, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 28 runs.
He also made a memorable impact in the postseason, hitting a game-tying home run in the ALCS against the Yankees. Although the Guardians didn’t advance to the World Series, Noel’s clutch hitting was one of the highlights of the season.
Girlfriend
Jhonkensy Noel is in a relationship with Chantal Duran. The couple has a daughter named Jayla. Both Chantal and Jayla were present at Camden Yards when Noel hit his first MLB home run, making the moment even more special for the young slugger.
Noel is known to be a devoted family man, and his girlfriend and daughter are often seen supporting him during games.
Jhonkensy Noel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jhonkensy Noel’s estimated net worth is $1.2 million.
Contract
Jhonkensy Noel is currently under a one-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians for the 2025 season, earning a base salary of $766,900. He is still in his pre-arbitration years, which means his salary is set by the team and is close to the league minimum for players with his level of experience. Noel received a $100,000 signing bonus when he first joined the organization.
Salary
Noel’s base salary is $766,900. This is a typical salary for a young player in his pre-arbitration years. In 2024, he earned $377,910, and his total career earnings, including his signing bonus and MLB salaries, stand at $1,244,810.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Cleveland Guardians | – | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| 2024 | Cleveland Guardians | $377,910 | – | $377,910 | $477,910 |
| 2025 | Cleveland Guardians | $300,979 | – | $300,979 | $778,889 |
Career Stats
| Year | AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 179 | 25 | 39 | 13 | 28 | 0 | .218 | .288 | .486 | .774 |
| 2025 | 103 | 12 | 15 | 2 | 9 | 0 | .146 | .168 | .391 | .391 |
| Career | 282 | 37 | 54 | 15 | 37 | 0 | .191 | .246 | .636 | .636 |
FAQs
1. Which MLB organization does Jhonkensy Noel play for and what is his position?
Noel plays within the Cleveland Guardians organization as a corner infielder and outfielder, primarily splitting time between first base and third base throughout his minor league career.
2. What distinguishes Noel’s offensive skill set as a baseball prospect?
He is renowned for plus raw power, routinely hitting long home runs in games and batting practice. Noel’s bat speed and barrel control make her one of the standout sluggers in the Guardians’ system.
3. How did Noel progress through the minor leagues and what were his key achievements?
He signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic, later earning team All-Star honors, reaching Double-A by age 21, and producing multiple 20-home-run seasons in the minors.
4. What is Noel’s plate approach and how has it developed?
Noel’s approach centers on aggressive swings for power. He is working to improve plate discipline, aiming to cut down on strikeouts and boost his on-base percentage as he faces tougher pitching.
5. What are the main strengths and potential weaknesses in Noel’s game?
Strengths include elite power, improved conditioning, and arm strength for corner infield spots. Scouts cite defense and swing-and-miss concerns as areas to refine for sustained MLB success.
6. Has Noel received any national recognition or awards in minor league baseball?
Noel was named to multiple minor league All-Star games and recognized as a top prospect in the Cleveland system, often appearing in organizational top-10 rankings.
7. What role has Noel played for the Guardians in the upper minors?
He contributed as a middle-of-the-order bat with Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, slotting into both first base and designated hitter roles against advanced pitching.
8. What do coaches and evaluators say about Noel’s potential MLB timeline?
Many project him as a future middle-of-the-order power bat, with a potential MLB debut if he continues progressing at Triple-A and makes adjustments to major league-caliber pitching.
9. What is Noel’s background before joining professional baseball in the United States?
He developed in the Dominican Republic’s robust baseball academies, quickly gaining attention for size and power. Her signing as an international free agent marked her first step into American baseball.
10. What are Noel’s long-term goals and future expectations?
Noel aims to establish herself as an everyday MLB player, use her power to make an impact in Cleveland’s lineup, and be recognized as one of the league’s top young sluggers.
