The Cleveland Guardians are actively searching for ways to improve their lineup this offseason as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season with high expectations. One of the most discussed needs for the Guardians is a right-handed hitting outfielder.
Cleveland’s lineup finished last in batting production among outfielders in 2025, and the team struggled to generate consistent offense, especially against left-handed pitching.
The Guardians already boast strong contributors like Steven Kwan in the outfield and promising young bats such as Chase DeLauter, but the lack of a proven right-handed bat has been a glaring weakness.
That is why free agent Hunter Renfroe could be an intriguing addition for Cleveland this winter. Renfroe brings veteran power and experience in the outfield that could help the Guardians improve their offense.
Adding Renfroe would address a clear roster need, give Cleveland a proven right-handed bat, and provide a veteran presence in an improving clubhouse.
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Hunter Renfroe, age 33, enters 2026 free agency after being released by the Kansas City Royals in May of the 2025 season following a difficult year at the plate.
In his brief 2025 stint, Renfroe slashed .182/.241/.242 with four RBI in 35 games before being designated for assignment and ultimately released. Despite the struggles last season, his overall career numbers paint a more complete picture of his potential.
Over 10 MLB seasons and 996 games, Renfroe has compiled a .236 batting average with 192 home runs and 510 RBIs, showing significant power potential throughout his career.
The Guardians’ interest in right-handed hitting outfielders is well documented this winter as they seek to address one of the most unbalanced hitting lineups in Major League Baseball.
Nearly every outfielder on Cleveland’s 40-man roster bats left-handed or is a switch-hitter, leaving the team without a reliable right-handed offensive threat in crucial spots in the batting order.
This lack of right-handed production was a clear problem in 2025 when the Guardians struggled against left-handed pitching and lacked power from the outfield overall. That context helps explain why adding a bat like Renfroe, even at this stage of his career, could be a strategic move.
Renfroe is known throughout his career for his power and ability to hit home runs, including several seasons with 25 or more homers, exemplifying the kind of right-handed pop that Cleveland has lacked.
In 2024 with the Royals, he hit 15 home runs and drove in 52 runs, showing that when healthy and in a regular role he can contribute to run production.
Cleveland’s payroll flexibility could make a veteran like Renfroe an appealing target, especially on a short-term deal or even a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
If the Guardians sign Renfroe, he could provide immediate depth in right field or serve as a power bat off the bench against left-handed pitching. Furthermore, his veteran presence could help guide younger outfielders such as George Valera, C.J. Kayfus, and DeLauter as they continue to develop at the Major League level.