Right field tandem failing to produce results for Cleveland Guardians

The beginning of the 2025 season has not been a particularly successful one for the Cleveland Guardians' primary right field options. Yes, it is early, but the complete lack of success coming from both Jhonkensy Noel and Nolan Jones at the plate is impossible to ignore.

In seven appearances, Noel is 1-16 with three strikeouts and one walk, while Jones is 3-22 with two doubles, 10 strikeouts, and two walks in the same amount of games played. Neither batting line is anything remotely close to being considered a positive one, and there are definite causes for concern for the Guardians.

No one is going to confuse either player as being a prolific hitter, as both have plenty of swing-and-miss in their offensive profiles. However, the only way Cleveland can justify having one of Noel or Jones in their lineup on a regular basis is that one has to do something, anything, resembling MLB-caliber plate appearances, and so far, both have failed in that capacity.

The struggles of Noel and Jones would be less of an issue if the other members of Cleveland's supporting case were also doing their job, but the primary source of the Guardians' offensive production so far this season has come from just four players (Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, and Carlos Santana). In order for bats such as Noel or Jones to work, the rest of the lineup has to do their job. If not, well, the flaws in their offensive profiles become even more magnified than they usually are.

The logic behind having two players capable of providing power in right field makes sense for the Guardians. Very few bats in their lineup are able to drive the ball on a consistent basis, and it seems like Cleveland is trying to manufacture the ideal power production of one player with the combination of Noel and Jones. This tactic only works if either player is making quality contact consistently, and through the Guardians' first nine games of the season, that just has not happened often enough.

As of now, there is no sense of urgency for the Guardians to change course for their plans in right field, as there are no other options worth considering at this time. That could change once Chase DeLauter is healthy and ready to go or if Cleveland ends up swinging a trade for an everyday right fielder, an approach that would have been wise to pursue this past offseason. The clock is not necessarily ticking just yet, but it won't take long for it to start if Noel and Jones continue to be non-factors at the plate.