Cleveland Guardians Top 30 Prospects: #20 Petey Halpin

We've made it to the top 20! It's been fun running through a few of these profiles a week, but from here on out there should be noticeable differences from previous entrants. There might be an extra tool in a player's arsenal or just a few adjustments away from breaking out. I don't mean to say we're in the star tier yet, but I'm certainly more optimistic from here on out. Without further adieu, let's get back to it.The jump from high school to the professional level is often overwhelming, but that doesn't mean players who struggle early should be written off. It's part of the process. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule or just players who adapt faster. I've been particularly impressed with Petey Halpin's adjustment to the Minor Leagues, and that's what earned the 20-year-old outfielder from San Mateo, CA the 20th spot on my list.Halpin was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the 3rd round of the 2020 MLB draft from Mira Costa High School, signing him away from a commitment to play college ball for the University of Texas. He was barely 18 when the Guardians selected him, and his first professional season was wiped out due to COVID, but that didn't seem to slow Halpin down at all when he made his organizational debut in 2021 for Low-A Lynchburg. He mustered a .294/.363/.425 batting line with a 117 wRC+ in 54 games as a 19-year-old.There were already some eyes on Halpin entering 2022, and he spent the entire season with High-A Lake County. In 105 games Halpin produced a .262/.346/.385 triple slash, 21 doubles, six home runs, 16 stolen bases, 45 walks (10.4%), 92 strikeouts (21.2%), and a 107 wRC+. There were some growing pains for him in Lake County, but I can find almost any reason to still be excited about a prospect. He displayed improved patience pushing the walk rate over 10% and keeping the strikeout rate tolerable. The speed may be Halpin's best tool, and as he continues to develop it will serve him well on both sides of the ball.[embed]https://twitter.com/Official_CGBI/status/1586419526807191552?s=20&t=PUPea4GZEWSVu42ZQp1Kjg[/embed]Halpin is a pure center fielder, utilizing his above-average speed with solid instincts and an average arm. He has a ways to go if he wants to be more than a fourth outfielder or a bench option for the Guardians, but it's not an insurmountable climb. Halpin is currently a speed and defense first player with gap power and potentially optimistic power projections for his 6-foot 185-pound frame. I don't mean a slugger, but 10-15 home runs may not be out of the realm of possibility. His viability as an everyday player will be tied directly to how much power he can add and how that shapes his offensive output.Halpin is capable of producing solid contact but has been inconsistent in doing so. Whether it's his pitch selection or bat-to-ball skills there's still plenty of time to iron out the kinks before the Guardians call his number. There's a strong possibility gap power is Halpin's ceiling, so finding ways to maximize the damage from each swing will be critical if the power projections are overly optimistic. These statements do not detract from just how smooth and aesthetically pleasing his left-handed swing is, however.[embed]https://twitter.com/Official_CGBI/status/1545244245426163714?s=20&t=PUPea4GZEWSVu42ZQp1Kjg[/embed]In an organization overrun with prospects who display advanced patience, zone awareness, and contact skills players need to find ways to set themselves apart. Halpin is no different, and while speed and defense are great the Guardians may already have several options alarmingly similar to Halpin ahead of him. Of course that won't stop Halpin from working his way up the ranks, nor will it stop me from being interested in his profile. He won't be Rule 5 eligible until after the 2024 season, so there's little urgency to rush Halpin through the system while still so young. He'll likely start 2023 back with Lake County, though I have a feeling he gets a shot at Double-A sooner rather than later. The List so Far:21. Will Benson22. Doug Nikhazy23. Tanner Burns24. Joe Lampe25. Isaiah Greene26. Jake Fox27. Jhonkensy Noel28. Jack Leftwich29. Trenton Denholm30. Peyton Battenfield