CLEVELAND, Ohio — Talking to myself after the Guardians lost to Detroit in the wild card round of the playoffs:
QUESTION: How could the Guardians start a bunch of kids in the playoffs who barely played in the regular season?
ANSWER: Let’s look at the final 6-3 loss to the Tigers. Three of their starters were not on the roster on Aug. 1: C.J. Kayfus, George Valera and Chase DeLauter.
Q: What about Johnathan Rodriguez?
A: He was up and down all year. I know where this is going, but ask the question.
Q: Why can’t this team find a good outfielder not named Steven Kwan?
A: It’s a fair question. But I have even a more revealing question …
Q: I ask the questions, but go ahead …
A: Who was the last Cleveland outfielder to hit 20 homers in a season?
Q: I don’t know. Albert Belle … OK, who?
A: Michael Brantley. He hit 20 homers in 2014.
Q: That was 11 years ago.
Michael Brantley hit 20 homers in 2014.The Plain Dealer
A: How about before Brantley?
Q: Albert Belle? Manny Ramirez? Rocky Colavito?
A: It feels like that. But it was Shin-Soo Choo, who hit 22 in 2010. That’s right, two outfielders with more than 20 homers since 2010.
Q: Is there a point, besides the obvious of the team not having outfielders who hit for power?
A: I went all the way back to 2010. That’s 15 years ago. Here are the outfielders with more than 15 homers: Choo (22 in 2010 and 16 in 2012), Brantley (20 in 2014 and 17 in 2018) and Ryan Raburn (16 in 2013).
Shin-Soo Choo hit 22 homers in 2010. No other Cleveland outfielder has hit more since then.The Plain Dealer
Q: Yikes! Why didn’t they draft an outfielder who can hit?
A: Since 2010, they have picked the following outfielders in the first round: Tyler Naquin (2012), Clint Frazier (2013), Bradley Zimmer (2014), Will Benson (2016) and DeLauter (2022). So they tried. But none were even regular outfielders for more than a few years. DeLauter is the next big hope.
Q: Back to the original question, why were all those kids starting in the playoffs when they hardly were in Cleveland in the regular season?
A: Because Steven Kwan is the only proven MLB outfielder on the roster. Here are the opening day outfielders from the last four seasons. Kwan was the only starter all four years. Others who were in the opening day lineup in the outfield are Myles Straw (2022-23), Amed Rosario (2022), Will Brennan (2022), Tyler Freeman (2024), Ramon Laureano (2024), Lane Thomas (2025) and Jhonkensy Noel (2025).
Q: The eternal search …
A: That’s also why the Guardians have to be very careful if they trade Kwan. He doesn’t hit a lot of homers, but he’s a good leadoff hitter and an exceptional left fielder. My goodness, Daniel Schneemann led Cleveland outfielders with 12 homers.
Q: What about next year?
A: Assuming DeLauter stays healthy, he’ll probably open in center field. I believe he’s a natural right fielder because he has a terrific arm. He threw in the low 90s in college, when he also pitched in relief along with playing the outfield for James Madison. But his injury history is a major concern.
Q: Who else?
A: Valera showed some promise. But his career has been haunted by injuries. Kayfus has played some right field. He also could be the first baseman (his natural position) next season, if they decide to keep Kyle Manzardo as the DH.
Q: What about Rodriguez?
A: Maybe a platoon player vs. lefties. He is not a good right fielder. I don’t know if Noel will ever hit enough … you know what?
Q: What?
A: This story is a plea for the Guardians to trade for an established outfielder who can hit 15-to-20 homers with a .725 OPS. He doesn’t have to be a star. It would help if he’s a right-handed hitter.
Q: What about Lane Thomas?
A: He’s a free agent. He had foot surgery and missed most of the 2025 season. I’d offer him a modest one-year deal to return, assuming he is healthy. He’s a right-handed hitter with a good track record vs. lefties. But there are a lot of question marks hanging over him.
The Guardians should consider using Travis Bazzana in the outfield. Minor League Baseball via Getty
Q: What else about the outfield?
A: Valera, DeLauter, Kwan and Travis Bazzana are left-handed hitters. They need a right-handed hitting outfielder.
Q: Bazzana? I thought he was a second baseman.
A: In the spring, I’d work with him in the outfield. I love Brayan Rocchio at second base. He is an elite defender. He is maturing as a hitter. Bazzana is average with the glove – at best. Most middle infielders can learn to play the outfield without a long period of adjustment.
Q: Bottom line?
A: The kids played in the outfield because the Guardians had no one else. That has to change next season.
Hear me talk: I will be speaking at the Music Box in the Flats. along with Regina Brett on October 22. This is a faith-based talk. Doors open at 5 p.m. Talk begins at 7 p.m. More information is here.
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