After one of the quietest offseasons of any MLB team, the Cleveland Guardians are counting on the depth of their organization to provide the necessary improvements to their lineup. An offense that ranked among the worst in the game will turn to several young players looking for a boost.
With rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter almost guaranteed a spot, and infielder Travis Bazzana in line to make his debut after he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Guardians have some exciting prospects ready to make their mark. However, they are not the only potential new contributors in 2026.
Analyst Tim Stebbins says Guardians fans need to watch two non-roster invitees in spring training: Stuart Fairchild and Carter Kieboom.
“The Guardians’ lineup was the No. 1 area that stood to improve heading into ’26. Fans clamored this offseason for them to add a veteran right-handed hitter to complement a group heavy on lefties, many of whom are up-and-coming players. Cleveland added two hitters to the fold this offseason: non-roster invitees Stuart Fairchild and Carter Kieboom,” Stebbins wrote.
Fairchild is an outfielder with five seasons of MLB experience. The right-handed hitter debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 and played for the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants before spending three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. After playing for the Atlanta Braves in 2025, the 29-year-old was signed by the Guardians in December.
Kieboom is a third baseman with five seasons of MLB experience spread over seven years. A former first-round pick by the Washington Nationals, the right-handed hitter played four seasons for them before playing last season for the Los Angeles Angels.
The 28-year-old sat out the 2022 season after having Tommy John surgery, and he was not promoted to the majors in 2024. He was signed by Cleveland in late January.
Neither Fairchild nor Kieboom is being counted on as a regular player. However, having veteran depth like them available could be important to the Guardians this season, as they can help the younger players adapt to the major league in their first full seasons.
Despite entering the season as back-to-back AL Central champions, the Guardians’ lack of offseason activity has lowered their outlook in some people’s eyes. However, after a historic rally to the division title last year, they should not be counted out.
Hopefully, Fairchild and Kieboom will be able to contribute to another successful season.
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