It didn’t take long before the Cleveland Guardians realized that they had found a special player in C.J. Kayfus.
In his very first plate appearance in the Majors, he logged an RBI sacrifice fly.
He’s had an up-and-down season, just like all rookies, but even though he hasn’t been there for long, he’s already made a big impact.
That’s why it was only fitting that he got to be the hero on Saturday night.
Kayfus entered the game as a pinch hitter.
He stayed in at first base and was on the wrong end of a hit by pitch to secure the win and a playoff berth.
Of course, he would gladly take that hit one thousand times because of what it meant.
But now that the adrenaline has rubbed off a little, he’s starting to pay the price:
“I didn’t feel it in the moment, but I’m starting to feel it now. I knew I was gonna get it done, but I didn’t know I was gonna get it done that way,” Kayfus said.
"I didn't feel it in the moment, but I'm starting to feel it now." 😂#Guardians CJ Kayfus on the walk-off HBP: pic.twitter.com/AzQTqGgVXB
— Leah Doherty (@LeahDohertyTV) September 28, 2025
Kayfus went 0 for 1 with one run batted in in the win.
Now, he will look to help the Guardians secure a divisional title.
Kayfus has looked more than ready since he made his way to the majors in early August.
He’s up to 11 RBI, six doubles, two home runs, and a .905 OPS in September.
It’s not easy to trust first-year players in the playoffs, much less those who spent most of the season in the minors.
Still, the young outfielder/first baseman has already done more than enough to prove that he belongs, and he will most definitely play a role on Stephen Vogt’s team in the most crucial stretch of the season.
NEXT: Steven Kwan Uses 5 Words To Describe Guardians' Win On Saturday
