3 free agent hitters who could help fix the Guardians' lackluster offense

The Cleveland Guardians are facing an inescapable truth this offseason. While the future of their pitching staff is set, their offense is broken. Historically, the Guardians have never been big spenders in free agency, instead preferring to rely on shrewd trades and internal development.

Given the urgency to support their young, dominant pitching staff without shattering the budget, the front office will likely need to find high-impact bats on value deals.

If the Guardians choose to complement their emerging youth (Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana) with proven MLB talent, here are three intriguing, budget-friendly free agents who could deliver the punch this lineup desperately needs.

These three hitters could help jump-start the Guardians lineup

1. Cedric Mullins: The buy-low center field solution
2025 stats: 216/.299/.391, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 22 steals

After a down year that saw his production dip, Cedric Mullins is the perfect "buy-low" candidate for a team with outfield needs. Mullins, who opened the season with the Orioles before being traded to the Mets, is a dynamic, switch-hitting center fielder who, even in an off-year, still brings a rare combination of speed and defense.

The value proposition: While his 2025 numbers were below his career averages, the Guardians need defense and speed, and Mullins provides both with plus pedigree. His recent struggles have lowed his market value dramatically, making him a potential cheap option to platoon with a right-handed bat or provide elite defense as an everyday center fielder.

2. Josh Naylor: The emotional power reunion
2025 stats: .295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 92 RBI, 30 steals

Could we see the return of Josh Naylor and the "Naylor Brothers" in Cleveland in 2026? Naylor has evolved into the kind of high-impact, emotional hitter the Guardians lack, and reuniting him with his brother, Bo, would add fire to the clubhouse.

The value proposition: The only issue is that Naylor might be too good for the "budget" title, with current projections placing his salary near the $18-20 million per year range. However, if the Guardians are willing to stretch their budget for one offensive anchor, Naylor's ability to rotate with Kyle Manzardo at first base and DH would add immediate, much-needed thump and attitude to the middle of the order.

His high price tag reflects his quality, but his specific fit makes him worth the stretch.

3. Ha-Seong Kim: Defensive anchor with a clutch bat
2025 stats: .234/.304/.345, 5 HR, 17 RBI

Kim is the quintessential Guardians target: a Gold Glove-caliber defender who plays premium positions and brings above-average offensive depth.

He only played in 48 games last year due to injuries, and started the year with the Rays before joining the Braves in September. He played well enough in his time with the Braves that he decided to opt of his $16 million player option for 2026, though he could still have a slightly cool free agent market.

The value proposition: Despite the lower average, Kim is a superior defender who can handle shortstop, second base and third base. His market uncertainty could allow the Guardians to grab a premium defensive anchor at a lower cost than expected. He would add serious defensive stability to the middle infield and a disciplined bat the Guardians could add to the bottom of the order.

Honorable Mention: Carlos Santana

Why not bring back the veteran presence and elite switch-hitting ability of Carlos Santana? The 40-year-old switch-hitter is a fan favorite who still provides high walk rates and professional at-bats. Santana's veteran leadership and positional flexibility (1B/DH) would be an ideal, low-cost mentor presence for the young core while stabilizing the DH spot with high OBP.