Former MLB GM shares rumored key change to Guardians' free agent focus

Last season, right field was quite the sticking point for the Guardians fanbase. And rightfully so considering Guardians right fielders combined for a wRC+ of just 69, meaning they were 31% worse than league average. 

But, based on a new report from former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, it looks like center field is going to be just as much of a priority for the Guardians this offseason — if not more. 

In a new story for The Athletic (subscription required) Bowden highlighted each’s MLB team biggest need for the offseason, where he provided some interesting insight into the Guardians’ front office’s thinking this offseason. 

“They especially could use right-handed-hitting outfielders since most of their young outfielders are left-handed hitters. In addition, their preference is to acquire a center fielder rather than a corner outfielder to replace Lane Thomas, who is expected to depart in free agency,” he wrote.

The Guardians could prioritize adding to center field over right field this offseason

While it’s clear the Guardians need plenty of help in the outfield, making center field the main priority is an interesting tidbit that provides a bit more intel ahead of what should be a busy offseason for Cleveland’s decision makers. 

Thomas was supposed to be the answer in center field this season, but he broke his hand in the home opener and ended up missing almost all of the summer with plantar fasciitis.

He’s now a free agent. Angel Martínez handled center field in Thomas’ place, but he hit just .224 and was one of the worst defensive center fielders in all of baseball. 

The good news for the Guardians is that there are plenty of options who could fill that hole in center field. 

Cody Bellinger stands out as the top free agent option after he opted out of his contract with the Yankees, but he’s likely going to be out of the Guardians’ price range. 

After him, the top free agent option is Harrison Bader, who would be an intriguing option. He hit .277 with 17 home runs last year across stints with the Twins and Phillies while also finishing in the 92nd percentile in Outs Above Average. 

He would bring some much-needed right-handed thump to the lineup along with providing borderline Gold Glove defense. He just declined his part of a $10 million mutual option with the Phillies, and will likely be seeking a multi-year pact in free agency. Would a two-year, $25 million contract be enough to get the job done? 

If Bader isn’t in the cards then the front office could turn their attention toward Cedric Mullins. Mullins is a bit of an imperfect fit given that he’s also a left-handed hitter, but he has pop and can also go get it in center. 

He hit just .216 last year across his season with the Orioles and Mets, so he wouldn’t be incredibly expensive. 

When it comes to a trade, the top option on the market is Boston’s Jarren Duran, who just agreed to a one-year, $7.7 million deal to avoid arbitration. He won’t be eligible for free agency until 2028, but Boston has a surplus of young outfielders, which could make Duran expendable. 

The Guardians would need to give up a ton of prospect capital to acquire him, but he’d be an easy plug-and-play fix in what’s become a huge area of need. 

While there are plenty of young outfielders in the fold that Chris Antonetti and Co. can turn to in 2026, adding at least outside option into the mix seems like the best order of business.