Guardians’ outfield coming into focus after Jones outrighted

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Heading into the final days of Cactus League play, the Guardians’ crowded outfield picture is coming into focus.

Friday, the Guardians outrighted Nolan Jones to Triple-A Columbus and optioned Petey Halpin to the Clippers. The moves brought more clarity to the outfield mix, certainly when coupled with news from manager Stephen Vogt that George Valera is “highly likely” to open the season on the injured list with a left calf strain.

(The same applies to reliever Hunter Gaddis, who is coming back from right forearm tightness.)

Here’s four thoughts on Friday’s news and maneuverings.

1. Jones facing decision

The Guardians avoided arbitration with Jones in November by reaching a one-year, $2 million deal. He is out of Minor League options, so the Guardians had two pathways if they weren’t going to put him on their Opening Day roster: outright Jones or designate him for assignment.

Because Jones has over three years of big league service time, he has the ability to reject the outright (which removed him from the 40-man roster) and elect free agency. He must make his decision within 24 hours.

The Guardians reacquired Jones (their second-round Draft pick in 2016) from the Rockies near the end of Spring Training last year. Early in camp this year, he acknowledged wasn’t sure the Guardians were going to bring him back for 2026. Jones has recorded a .618 OPS in 215 games over the past two seasons. He hit 20 homers and had .931 OPS over 106 games in ‘23 with Colorado.

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Jones now must decide whether he wants to continue trying to rediscover that form with the Guardians’ organization or elsewhere.

“We continue to believe that Nolan can be an impact player in this league, and it's just unfortunately not going to be on Opening Day with us,” Vogt said. “But we're all hopeful that Nolan remains with us in the organization and gets back to his old form. Because what we've seen from Nolan in stretches is somebody who can impact our team, both in the field and at the plate.”

2. Fairchild vs. Kayfus for final outfield spot?

Valera was positioning himself to make the Opening Day roster. But he last played on March 9 due to his calf strain, hence why he’s likely to open the season on the IL. The Guardians aren’t going to risk anything by rushing him back.

With the versatile Daniel Schneemann in their mix, the Guardians have four outfield spots available. Steven Kwan owns one, and Chase DeLauter (Cleveland's No. 2 prospect and No. 46 overall per MLB Pipeline) and Angel Martínez both appear to have earned one.

That leaves non-roster invitee Stuart Fairchild and CJ Kayfus as the two options for the final outfield spot. Fairchild would add a right-handed-hitting presence to a roster full of lefties, has fared well against southpaws in his career (.746 OPS) and he can play all three spots.

Kayfus played first base (17 appearances) and right (29) in the Majors last year following his Aug. 2 MLB debut. He could slot in right while Valera is sidelined, certainly against right-handed pitching, and slide to first base in a pinch if the Guardians need him to.

3. Kwan in center

It already appeared to be trending that way, but Vogt confirmed Kwan will see at least some time in center field.

“It's just going to depend on how the lineup shakes out on any given day,” Vogt said. “We know that he can play center field, and he's probably going to play some center field."

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Kwan drew the start in center on Friday against the Mariners. He previously made 10 starts out there this spring compared to four in left. The Guardians’ ability to slot him there opens the corners up for guys such as DeLauter, Kayfus and Valera, all of whom profile as corner guys.

4. Halpin makes impression

Halpin will be perhaps the first guy in line for a big league callup when the Guardians need outfield help. He made a strong impression this spring, in which he played all three spots and went 8-for-30 (.267) with two doubles, two homers and five walks compared to nine strikeouts.

“We watched a big leaguer play this spring,” Vogt said of Halpin. “We just unfortunately don't have a spot for him on the Opening Day roster. But we know that Petey has the ability and the skill set to come in and be an impact player for us in all aspects -- the baserunning, the defense, the hitting.”