Guardians outfield still lacks clarity and that's a problem

Unknowns and longshots

This final group is comprised of players looking to usurp the starting jobs of anyone not named Steven Kwan. These are players that, if they are actually major league contributors, it would make it just a bit easier to part ways with some of their previously mentioned part-timers.

Chase DeLauter, Jonathan Rodriguez, and George Valera are that group currently on the outside looking in. Of the three, only Rodriguez has seen major league pitching, but it did not go well, collecting just four hits in 40 plate appearances with 14 strikeouts. Rodriguez only really seems likely to see time if Jhonkensy Noel were to flame out, as having another high-strikeout bat with power potential sharing time on the bench is not a great way to construct a roster.

DeLauter seems to be the player most likely to be given a legitimate chance to catch on with the big-league club. The 23-year-old has worked his way through Cleveland's minor league system, but injuries have held him back, and that could ultimately be what prevents him from being the player he was once projected to be. Expect DeLauter to get his chance at some point in 2025, however, he will have to stay healthy and perform if he is going to see consistent time in the majors.

When it comes to Valera, it sort of seems like he is on borrowed time in Cleveland. Valera has struggled with his health, making it difficult for him to adjust to the level of pitching experienced during his progression through the minors. It has been tough for Valera, as his time in the minor leagues have not gone particularly well. Valera has struggled at every level and has needed three stints in Triple-A, with his most recent producing league-average results (104 WRC+) in 90 games.

If Valera could put his lengthy injury history behind him and actually take the step forward he has been expected to the past few years, there is a world that sees him bump one of the previously mentioned players for playing time, but it just seems unlikely that either comes to fruition in 2025.