This offseason, the Cleveland Guardians have primarily focused on strengthening their bullpen by acquiring free agents Shawn Armstrong, Connor Brogdon, and Colin Holderman. On the offensive side, the team made headlines by re-signing catcher Austin Hedges. Moving forward, the Guardians are eyeing a right-handed hitting outfielder, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The club had expressed interest in bringing Lane Thomas back into the fold before he ultimately signed with the Kansas City Royals.
In the 2025 season, the Guardians’ outfield was largely led by left-fielder Steven Kwan, who showcased a strong performance with a batting line of .272/.330/.374, a 99 wRC+, and stellar defensive stats, including 22 Defensive Runs Saved. This earned him a WAR of 3.2 according to FanGraphs. However, Kwan’s solid numbers contrasted sharply with the performance of his fellow outfield teammates, many of whom struggled offensively, registering replacement-level statistics. Nolan Jones and Angel Martinez, who had significant playing time with 384 and 371 plate appearances, respectively, both fell short with a 73 wRC+ and on-base percentages below 30%.
Currently, the Guardians’ 40-man roster is heavily tilted towards left-handed bats, with Johnathan Rodriguez being the only right-handed option. Rodriguez had a challenging season, posting a batting average of .197/.260/.366 and a wRC+ of 74 over a limited 77 plate appearances. Despite this, he is regarded as the organization’s No. 18 prospect for 2024, holding some potential as a power hitter. The team may opt to retain him to determine if he can secure a more substantial role moving forward.
The Guardians experienced significant struggles with right-handed hitting outfielders in 2025, as reflected by the performances of players like Martinez, Rodriguez, Thomas, and Jhonkensy Noel. Aside from Martinez’s notable 123 wRC+ when batting right-handed, the others produced disappointing results. Thomas had a dismal 48 wRC+, partially due to injuries that limited his playing time, while Noel managed only a 28 wRC+ and faced a high strikeout rate of 34%.
Rosenthal’s observations suggest that the Guardians might prioritize giving playing time to younger outfielders. Among these is Chase DeLauter, who is viewed as the organization’s top outfield prospect and ranked No. 58 overall by MLB.com. DeLauter made his debut in the Wild Card Series against the Tigers and is expected to play an increased role in 2026. However, he is also a left-handed hitter, which does not directly address the club’s need for right-handed bats. While the Guardians do have several righty and switch-hitting prospects like Jaison Chourio, Alfonsin Rosario, and Aaron Walton, their arrival is still a few years away.
Given the team’s payroll constraints, which estimate a decrease to $79 million for 2026 compared to $102 million in 2025, the Guardians may face limitations when exploring free agent opportunities. Despite winning the AL Central, the organization likely aims to enhance its roster but may not be positioned to pursue top-tier talent. Harrison Bader stands out as a leading right-handed hitter on the market, projected for a two-year, $26 million contract, potentially beyond Cleveland’s budget. Other available options might include Miguel Andujar, who recorded a commendable 125 wRC+ in 2025, along with Austin Hays and Rob Refsnyder.
With strategic moves in the offseason, the Guardians are navigating their roster shortcomings while seeking to boost their productivity, particularly from the right side of the plate, as they prepare for the 2026 season.