The Cleveland Guardians entered 2026 as an offensively challenged team in search of impact hitters. Besides Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan, they lacked bona fide stars among position players.
We are now into June, and a lot has changed. Ramirez and Kwan are both struggling, at least for their standards, and a whole crew of talented young hitters has taken a step forward: Travis Bazzana, Chase DeLauter, Angel Martinez, Daniel Schneemann, Brayan Rocchio, and others are now carrying the offense.
The Guardians have two light-hitting but elite defensive catchers in Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges, which has complicated Cooper Ingle’s path to the majors even though his bat appears to be more than ready for The Show. However, one way or another, he is a star in the making and will be a factor for this team before the end of the year, barring an injury.
Cleveland trusts their catchers so much that Cooper Ingle is now being tried as a left fielder. Anything to accelerate his path to MLB, because the bat could be a game-changer.
The Columbus Clippers are starting Cooper Ingle in left field today. It's his first non-catcher start at the professional level.
Ralphy Velazquez started in left field yesterday.
Guardians keeping their options open by trying two of the organization's best bats in the outfield. pic.twitter.com/9IfOAbSkJp
— Jose (@GuardsBurner_) May 31, 2026
Ingle has been one of the most productive hitters in the minor leagues this year. In 35 games and 147 plate appearances, he has an incredible .319/.469/.619 slash line with nine homers, 33 RBI, and an 182 wRC+.
With more walks (32) than strikeouts (30), his plate discipline has also been elite. He has it all: contact, power, patience, and excellent pitch selection skills. His defense behind the plate is not the best, though, which is why he is being tried in the outfield.
If he can successfully defend the position, the Guardians might be willing to let him challenge Kwan, Martinez, and Schneemann for playing time. They are all established major leaguers, but you could argue that Ingle’s offensive upside is superior.
If his performance in Triple-A is any indication, Ingle could become one of the best hitters in the Guardians lineup by the time September comes. He still has a defensive transition to complete and some work to do to earn the call-up to the majors, but the potential is there for him to join the long list of successful player development stories in Cleveland this year.
NEXT: Guardians Make Notable Move In Latest Power Rankings
