Early returns show Guardians made right decisions with utility players

Death, taxes and the Cleveland Guardians using players with positional versatility. And while their roster this year doesn’t have as much versatility as last year’s mostly underwhelming lineup, that roster tightening isn’t a bad thing. 

Just the opposite, in fact. 

The Guardians broke camp with Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martínez serving as the team’s top two utility options, and they’ve made that look like the right decision thanks to a strong opening week highlighted by plenty of big hits. 

Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martínez could be X-factors for the Guardians this season

While both players struggled last season, they’ve both gotten off to strong starts. Schneemann has posted a .231 batting average with two doubles and two RBI through four while playing at second base, third base and center field. 

Meanwhile Martínez has gone 3-for-10 with a double and stolen base while playing all three outfield positions, which he did in the spring. Although that may not seem as impressive as Schneemann moving across both the infield and outfield, it’s important to remember that Martínez didn’t start learning the outfielder until 2024. 

He really struggled as a center fielder last season, but he’s better suited for a corner outfield spot thanks to his strong throwing arm. 

On the other hand, Schnemann has proven that he can hold his own in center and has the second-most appearances there behind Steven Kwan, who has appeared in center four times. 

In fact, there’s an argument to be made that Kwan moving to center has been the thing that has helped both players reach a new level so far this season. 

Last year Kwan was locked in at left field, which meant Martínez was type-cast into a center fielder while most of Schnemann’s work in the outfield came as a part of the team’s platoon in right field. 

But 2026 is a new era. 

The biggest hit from the two came on Monday night when Schnemann picked up a big two-run double against Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski that increased the Guardians lead to 4-0. 

While Schnemann had been 0-for-4 prior to the at-bat, Vogt trusted him in a left-on-left situation, and he delivered. 

Meanwhile Martínez recorded a two-hit game against the Dodgers and came around to score on Schnemann’s double after reaching base against Wrobleski with a single as a part of a two-hit day. 

Martínez’s struggles last season were a bit frustrating given that he boasts a ton of potentialas a utility player thanks to his switch-hitting skillset, but it seems like he’s finally reached a point where he’s in a position to succeed.  

This could just be the beginning for both players.