On Thursday, it was reported that the Cleveland Guardians were open to listen on trade inquiries about two regulars: first baseman Josh Naylor and center fielder Lane Thomas.
Naylor being named as a trade candidate is not surprising.
He is entering the final season of team control before becoming a free agent and the Guardians have Kyle Manzardo ready to take over at first base.
Now, Thomas being available is a bit shocking, although it makes some sense given his salary.
If Thomas goes via trade, the Guards are likely to employ some internal options to replace him, barring a trade for a younger outfielder with more team control.
Angel Martinez, who is a natural infielder, could be one of the alternatives.
He has been getting reps at center field back home in the Dominican Republic.
“Cleveland #Guardians 22yr old switch-hitting (INF/OF) prospect Angel Martinez putting in work defensively in CF and taking live BP out at the organizations Dominican Academy today,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 22yr old switch-hitting (INF/OF) prospect Angel Martinez putting in work defensively in CF and taking live BP out at the organizations Dominican Academy today.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/OmukWlhBry
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 6, 2024
If Martinez can show he can be a decent defensive center fielder over a large sample, he has a good chance of winning the job provided Thomas is traded (not a given).
In 150 innings there last season, he had 1 Defensive Run Saved and -1 Out Above Average.
Martinez showed tremendous promise offensively this past season, but the league adjusted to him and he finished with a below-average 83 wRC+ in MLB.
He was at 111 in Triple-A, though, so he can adjust back if given the chance.
His calling card is his ability to draw walks but he also has sneaky power and speed.
His role in 2025 will largely depend on what the Guardians do with Thomas, but he has a chance to be a regular.
NEXT: Guardians Lose Another Player Development Mind To The Cardinals
