Six years after being drafted, Daniel Schneemann is finally knocking on the door of the major leagues.
The former BYU baseball standout has enjoyed a solid spring training with the Cleveland Guardians, and while he will begin the 2024 season in Triple-A Columbus, Schneemann is closer than ever to breaking into the next level.
Guardians radio broadcaster Tom Hamilton told Forbes that Schneemann was “the most improved player he has seen” with Cleveland’s club this spring — not bad for a former 33rd-round draft selection.
Schneemann batted .333 with 13 hits, two home runs and eight runs batted in during the preseason, displaying excellent plate discipline and showcasing the fielding prowess that made him the 2017 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a Cougars shortstop.
In five minor league seasons, Schneemann has posted a .242 average with 326 hits, 30 home runs and 172 RBI following a three-year BYU career where he hit .288 with 163 hits. He can play multiple infield positions and would most likely serve as a utility glove if called up to the Guardians.
Schneemann’s wife, Alle Hancock-Schneemann, played first base for the Cougars softball team and is currently back with the program as an assistant coach.
Cleveland’s organization is already crowded with young infield talent, complicating Schneemann’s path to the majors; however, given his breakout spring effort and position versatility, the Cougar legend shouldn’t have to languish in the minors for much longer. Look for Schneemann to get an opportunity when injuries or poor perfomance create a spot for him with the Guardians.