Despite some rumors linking him to the Cleveland Guardians, Taylor Ward was ultimately traded to the Baltimore Orioles. However, there should still be several outfield options available to Cleveland this offseason.
After that deal with the Los Angeles Angels was announced, an All-Star outfielder emerged as a “perfect pickup” for the Guardians.
SleeperGuardians identified Austin Hays, who is coming off a solid season with the Cincinnati Reds. He had a .266 average with a .768 OPS, 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, and an 0.8 WAR.
Austin Hays would be a perfect OF pickup for the Guardians this winter:
🔺.266 AVG
🔺.768 OPS
🔺15 HRs
🔺64 RBI
🔺0.8 WAR#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/u35GNARpEY— SleeperGuardians (@SleeperGuards) November 18, 2025
The Guardians aren’t going to make a big splash in free agency. As such, mid-tier players on cheaper contracts, like Hays, seem to be tailor-made for what the front office is trying to do.
Next season, Cleveland will most likely rely on young players. Chase DeLauter, C.J. Kayfus and George Valera all showed signs of promise last season, and the Guardians haven’t given up on Jhonkensy Noel.
That being said, they will need some veterans. If they end up trading Steven Kwan, as some rumors state, that need will be even greater.
On paper, Hays might not be the type of slugger who will move the needle for this offense-craving team. But adding veterans like him to mentor younger teammates could work wonders for the Guardians. They have the right foundation, but they also can’t pin their hopes on inexperienced players with injury histories.
NEXT: Guardians Announce 5 Roster Moves
