CLEVELAND -- Given how their lineup struggled for extended stretches this past season, it’s no surprise the Guardians’ top priority this winter is improving offensively.
Cleveland’s struggles were not limited to one corner of the roster. But the outfield -- particularly center and right field -- stands as one area it needs more production from next season and as an area it could look to target external help for this winter to improve a mix led by All-Star left fielder Steven Kwan.
Guardians center fielders recorded a combined 60 wRC+ this past season and a .574 OPS, both ranking last in MLB. Cleveland right fielders had a 70 wRC+ (29th) and a .605 OPS (last).
With the offseason underway, let’s take a closer look at the outfield mix as it currently stands.
Opportunity for the youngsters
The Guardians want to give runway to their young players next spring, a group which figures to include outfielders Chase DeLauter (ranked as Cleveland’s No. 2 prospect, No. 58 overall in MLB), George Valera and C.J. Kayfus. A full season with that trio in the mix could be one step toward boosting the production in center and right.
DeLauter has long shown potential to be an impactful bat in the Majors, but injury setbacks in the Minors delayed his MLB debut. He got his first taste of the Majors in the postseason, when he started in center in Games 2 and 3 of the American League Wild Card Series.
Valera also overcame a long list of injury setbacks to make his MLB debut on Sept. 1. The right fielder was solid over 16 regular-season games (two homers, .748 OPS), and he went 2-for-7 (.286) with a solo homer over three postseason games.
Kayfus was a capable right fielder when he was not playing first base. He had a .707 OPS over 44 games last season, including an .888 mark over 20 games in September.
Who could be available via free agency or trade?
At least some of the Guardians’ improvement offensively next season must come from those already in-house. DeLauter, Valera and Kayfus could help, but adding a veteran to complement the younger options would make a lot of sense, especially if Cleveland can land a right-handed hitter.
The Guardians had a .647 OPS against southpaws last season, including a .605 OPS by their outfielders. Their current outfield picture is heavy on lefties, between Kwan, DeLauter, Valera, Kayfus, Nolan Jones, Will Brennan and utility man Daniel Schneemann.
Among free agents, right-handed-hitting outfielders include Harrison Bader (17 homers, .796 OPS over 146 games last season) and Austin Hays (15 homers, .768 OPS over 103 games). Lane Thomas also is a free agent; he was limited to 39 games with the Guardians in 2025 before he underwent right foot surgery in September.
Bader declined his side of a $10 million mutual option with the Phillies, and he could be poised to land a multiyear deal in free agency. The Reds declined their side of Hays’ $12 million mutual option.
Who could be available via trade is less certain, though MLB Network insider Jon Morosi noted Wednesday that the Angels will listen to offers on Taylor Ward and Jo Adell this winter. Both are intriguing given their power, and you can envision either serving as protection behind José Ramírez.
Ward hit 36 homers in 2025, and Adell hit 37. Ramírez led the Guardians with 30 blasts this past season.
Ward has experience at each outfield spot, but he exclusively played left field (153 appearances) in 2025. Adell split his time between center (89 appearances) and right (69).
A look at the rest of the mix
Beyond those mentioned, the 40-man roster picture also includes outfielders Angel Martínez, Jhonkensy Noel, Johnathan Rodríguez and rookie Petey Halpin. David Fry is another potential option next year after he was limited to DH duties in 2025 while he recovered from right elbow surgery.
Among other questions, could Jones and Brennan be non-tender candidates before the Nov. 21 deadline? What does next season hold for Noel (.480 OPS over 69 games) and Rodríguez (.626 over 31 games), who spent extended stretches of 2025 with Triple-A Columbus?
Overall, the outfield is a group that bears watching over the next few months. At the very least, it’s an area Cleveland could look to reinforce as the Hot Stove kicks up.