Cleveland Guardians prospect Cooper Ingle enjoying successful season with RubberDucks

Ingle, 23, is the No. 8 prospect in the Guardians minor league system according to MLB.com, and the top catching prospect in the organization.

The Guardians selected Ingle in the 2023 MLB Draft in the fourth round with the 125th overall pick. The former Clemson University standout has hit the ground running as a professional baseball player.

"It has been good being able to play with a bunch of the guys that I played with last year and continuing to progress and get better each and everyday," Ingle said.

Ingle entered this week leading the RubberDucks in several offensive categories, including batting average (.277), hits (76), runs (50), walks (54), doubles (24), on-base percentage (.395) and slugging percentage (.464). He also has nine home runs and 42 RBIs, which puts him second on the team behind infielder Jorge Burgos (13 home runs and 66 RBIs).

In 76 games this season, he leads the Eastern League in walks, is third in doubles and on-base percentage, fourth in runs, seventh in slugging percentage, ninth in batting average and tied for 10th in hits and RBIs.

Akron RubberDucks catcher Cooper Ingle (2) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Altoona Curve on May 20, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

Ingle has two four-hit games this season — June 3 in a 6-3 win over the Chesapeake Baysox at Canal Park and July 3 in a 7-3 win over the Erie SeaWolves at UPMC Park. He hit a home run in the victory over the Baysox and two home runs against the SeaWolves.

"I feel like I control the [strike] zone pretty well," Ingle said. "If things aren't going great, I have a pretty good eye at the plate and can draw some walks. I am able to use the whole field and then occasionally tap into some pull-side slug."

Akron RubberDucks' Cooper Ingle hits a solo home run against the Altoona Curve on May 20, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

Ingle hasn't been neglecting his work behind the plate, though.

"I have started to get pretty good at game calling," he said. "It has been a point of emphasis for me since the draft. I think I have built really good relationships with our pitching staff, and being able to communicate what their best stuff is and game plans for each and every week. I think I have gotten a ton better at that."

Ingle didn't start out as a catcher, but over time developed into one.

RubberDucks catcher Cooper Ingle throws the ball back to the pitcher July 9, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

"Growing up, I played shortstop and center field when I was young," he said. "… I played catcher and shortstop in high school, and in college I caught most of the time and played occasional corner outfield."

Being more involved in the action was what drew Ingle to the position, he said.

"That is pretty much it," he said. "When I started catching, it was about being involved in every pitch."

RubberDucks visit Harrisburg and then return to Akron

The RubberDucks compiled a 43-25 record during the first-half of the regular season and are 9-12 during the second-half of the regular season. They have a six-game series in Harrisburg against the Senators from July 22-27 and then return to Akron to host the Erie SeaWolves for a six-game series from July 29 to Aug. 3.

Michael Beaven can be reached by email at [email protected].