Guardians’ outfield inaction stands out among other American League contenders

The Cleveland Guardians 2025 season was one of drastic swings. One on hand, they got another All-Star season from Steven Kwan and gave Chase DeLauter and George Valera the opportunity to make their MLB debut. 

But on the other hand, their outfielders combined for a wRC+ of just 79 (the second-lowest mark in baseball) and sometimes stood in the way of the Guardians’ success. 

Even with DeLauter and Valera standing out as clear upgrades in the outfield compared to last season, the Guardians’ lack of external outfield additions is still a bit frustrating given how much it stands out as a position that needs to be upgraded. 

We got some new reinforcement of that idea last week when MLB Trade Rumors put out a story looking at how American League teams have (or haven’t) addressed their weakest position from 2025.

And one of the weakest positions across the American League was the Guardians’ right field situation, as Cleveland’s right fielders combined for -1.9 bWAR last season, which was tied with Kansas City’s right fielders for the worst output from a single position in the American League. 

But even with that negative value staring Cleveland’s front office right in the face, Chris Antonetti and company have been quiet this offseason outside of signing Stuart Fairchild to a minor league contract. 

Meanwhile, the Royals linked up with the Brewers for an odd trade that sent outfielder Issac Collins to Kansas City along with signing old friend Lane Thomas to a one-year deal in free agency. Even though none of those moves are huge needle-movers, they’re at least something. 

The Guardians’ lack of outfield additions could come back to bite them in 2026

Now, it’s worth noting that the Guardians not adding to their outfield isn’t all bad since it means that the front office is serious about giving DeLauter and Valera a chance to make the roster out of spring training. 

In fact, that was all but confirmed earlier this month when Ken Rosenthal reported the Guardians were seeking outfield additions so long as they didn’t stand in the way of the young players on the roster.

And that’s great. They deserve a chance to prove what they can do. But it’s still a little odd that the Guardians didn’t bring any established major league options considering their right fielders combined for the worst output from any team in the American League. 

Last year, Nolan Jones led the way with 101 appearances in right field and hit just .211 in 136 games, but he’ll be back next season after the Guardians tendered him a $2 million contract for 2026. Jones should fit into the outfield picture in 2026, albeit in a (hopefully) diminished capacity. 

Jhonkensy Noel made the second-most appearances behind Jones (60), but the Guardians designated him for assignment earlier this offseason. 

The matter of Cleveland’s right field situation is made even more complicated by the fact that their center field picture is also unsettled. 

On one hand, that’s a good thing given that it provides another opportunity for DeLauter and Jones to earn everyday playing time. But on the other hand, Guardians center fielders combined for -0.9 bWAR last season, so it’s another clear position where upgrades are needed. 

While it’s a good thing that the Guardians have so many young outfielders, they backed themselves into a corner with them thanks to their lack of aggressiveness in calling them up earlier in their career. 

It’s going to be one of the biggest things to watch with the Guardians in 2026.