5 former Guardians hitters who could play huge roles for their teams in September 

Last October, Ernie Clement was one of the breakout stars of the postseason for a Blue Jays team that came within two outs of winning the World Series. 

And every one of Clement’s hits and web gems created plenty of grimaces across Northeast Ohio given the Guardians let him go after just 103 big league games in Cleveland. 

And that theme doesn’t just stop with Clement, as he’s one of the numerous former Guardians hitters who are set to play a big role for their team over the final month of the season. 

With that in mind, here are five former Guardians hitters whose Septembers could linger in Cleveland. 

There are plenty of former Guardians trying to make the postseason elsewhere

C Bo Naylor, Milwaukee Brewers 

Don’t let the fact that Naylor was just added to Milwaukee's roster fool you; he should play a huge role for a Brewers team that’s going to cruise to yet another American League Central title. 

While he showed flashes during his time with the Guardians, Naylor was never able to consistently put it together. But the early returns from his time with the Brewers’ Triple-A team have been promising thanks to a change in his approach at the plate. 

The Brewers’ catching tandem is set with William Contreras and Gary Sánchez, but there should still be enough room for Naylor to get some at-bats. 

1B Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners 

At this time last year, Naylor was in the midst of the best stretch of his career that helped him get paid by the Mariners in the offseason. 

It’s been a bit different this year, as Naylor’s production has taken a step back this year in what’s been a disappointing season for the Mariners. Naylor entered play today with a .692 OPS, which would be the worst mark of his career across a full season. 

But the Mariners are still within striking distance of a postseason spot (5 games back in the division, 4 1/2 games in the Wild Card), so there’s still a chance for Naylor to record more signature moments in the Pacific Northwest. 

2B Richie Palacios, Tampa Bay Rays 

Although Palacios made his debut for the Guardians in 2022, they left him off their postseason roster. In fact, he’s never played in the postseason despite playing for three largely successful franchises (Guardians, Cardinals and Rays). 

That should change this season thanks to his everyday role with the Rays, who have been a wrecking ball all season and have the American League’s best record. 

His .226/.321/.341 slashline may not look that impressive, but he has a healthy 11.4% walk rate and has already driven in a career-high 41 runs. Plus he’s seen time at five different positions this season. 

Every year there’s a utility player who puts together the month of his life in the postseason. That could be Palacios this year. 

UTL Amed Rosario, New York Yankees 

Four years ago, Rosario was right in the middle of the Guardians’ run to the American League Division Series. He could fit right into that role again this year, albeit on the other side of the aisle with the Yankees. 

This will be his second postseason with the Yankees after they acquired him at last year’s trade deadline, but he could play a bigger role this year since he’s been their primary third base option alongside Ryan McMahon. 

The Yankees’ infield has been a bit of a mess this season due to Anthony Volpe and George Lombard Jr.’s struggles at shortstop, but Rosario has the kind of postseason pedigree that could turn him into a hero in the Bronx. 

OF Lane Thomas, Atlanta Braves 

We’re finishing off this list with a former Guardian who has already recorded a marquee moment in the postseason. Maybe you remember it. 

Although Thomas had that incredible run against the Tigers in the 2024 postseason, he wasn’t able to do much else during his time with Cleveland due to a serious case of plantar fasciitis. 

But he’s healthy now and is in a great position to succeed this year as a platoon option with the Atlanta Braves. Even if he’s only hit .194 in 19 games with Atlanta, we know he's just one swing away from creating a signature moment.

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