Five bold predictions for the Cleveland Guardians 2024 season

Guardians Bold Prediction Number Four: Myles Straw does not finish the season in Cleveland

This prediction could not come to fruition soon enough. Myles Straw is simply not a good enough outfielder to warrant consistent playing time.

It is pretty much a lock that Straw will never reach the 110 weighted runs created plus he put up during the 60-game stretch at the end of 2021. Straw has since seen his wRC+ plummet to 67 in 2022 and 69 in 2023, with these numbers being a better indicator of his offensive abilities.

There was a time when Straw's defensive prowess could make up for his lack of offense, but this also diminished in 2023. Straw is no longer the Gold Glove-caliber defender he once was, and it was abundantly clear on multiple occasions last season. Far too often, Straw was taking poor routes to balls in play, resulting in what should be an out or just a single becoming an extra-base hit. With the offense of Straw being a complete non-factor, this is an unacceptable performance as a defender.

While the 147 appearances from Straw last season could be attributed to former manager Terry Francona's tendency to stick to "his guys" and it is not known how new manager Stephen Vogt will deploy players that fit this description. But with the lack of power in the lineup, particularly the outfield, it is hard to imagine Cleveland continuing to roster him for the entire season.