The Cleveland Guardians entered spring training with their outfield about to undergo some major changes. Not only were top prospects Chase DeLauter and George Valera about to take on bigger roles in their first full MLB seasons, but All-Star Steven Kwan was being asked to change positions.
Now, heading into Opening Day, the plan is a bit different, but the optimism is high nonetheless. With Valera about to begin the campaign on the injured list with a strained calf, Angel Martinez will return to a starting role.
Martinez had an excellent spring at the plate, and he could hold on to the job if he continues to produce. With DeLauter looking like a real contender for AL Rookie of the Year, and Kwan becoming more comfortable in center field, the group could exceed even the highest expectations.
Analyst Cade Cracas said he sees an electric outlook for the Guardians’ outfield in 2026.
“I can’t get over how good Cleveland’s outfield can look this year with Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter and Angel Martinez. If both DeLauter and Martinez can carry their spring momentum into the regular season, the Guardians’ outfield is going to be legit,” Cracas posted on X.
I can’t get over how good Cleveland’s outfield can look this year with Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter and Angel Martinez.
If both DeLauter and Martinez can carry their spring momentum into the regular season, the Guardians’ outfield is going to be legit. #GuardsBall
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) March 24, 2026
Valera was thought to be the main contender for the third outfield spot, based on his offensive upside and the Guardians’ need to improve in that area. But this spring, Martinez has surprisingly shown that he could fulfill that role as well.
In 17 spring appearances, the 24-year-old is batting .357 with a 1.233 OPS that includes four home runs. At one point, he was leading all of spring training in extra-base hits. Last season, as Cleveland’s primary center fielder, the switch-hitter batted .224 with a .628 OPS.
DeLauter, who made his MLB debut last postseason, is living up to the hype as one of Cleveland’s top prospects. In 14 spring games, he’s batting .459 with 1.373 OPS and looks to be fully recovered from some worrisome lower-body soreness he experienced earlier in camp.
Meanwhile, Kwan is batting just .217 but with an OPS of .877. The Gold Glove left fielder is likely focusing most of his effort on his defensive adjustment, as he could make most of his starts in center field this season.
When Valera returns, he could boost the outfield even further, but for now, it looks like the Guardians can confidently start the season at the position.
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