Who will make their MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024?

Outfielders who could debut with the Guardians in 2024

Chase DeLauter has catapulted himself into the roster discussion, and rightfully so. That said, he only played six games in Double-A Akron last season and is slated to begin the season there. But DeLauter should reach Columbus quickly if he carries over his strong spring and is under serious consideration for a mid-season promotion to the big-league club.

The Guardians outfield is far from perfect, and much will be learned about long-term solutions this year (again, we hope). Johnathan Rodriguez may prove to be an answer in right field. Rodriguez was hurt by the lack of a 2020 minor-league season and had his stock fall, but a strong 2023 put him back on the map. Though he strikes out a ton, his power is undeniable. His path is a bit muddy, but there's probably a 75% chance that he gets some shot in Cleveland this season.

George Valera has been bitten by the injury bug here lately, but he's not too far removed from being the presumed starting center fielder of the future. Those days may be in the rearview mirror due to DeLauter's play. However, if he can put those injuries behind him and get back to his 2021 and 2022 levels, there still remains the possibility Valera could play himself into a platoon role or possibly an everyday role. However, his chances of making the club are becoming increasingly less likely.

Jhonkensy Noel has crazy amounts of power and is only 22 years old. The two things working against him are his strikeout totals (295 strikeouts in the past two seasons) and his positional limitations, with many scouts viewing him primarily as a 1B/DH type. If Noel can ease those concerns, he should be in line for a promotion and right field playing time.