The Cleveland Guardians are, like every other MLB team at this point in the spring, still making key roster decisions before the start of the regular season. The team is particularly deep in the outfield, which is a rarity if we compare the situation with previous years.
Steven Kwan is the star of the show, and Chase DeLauter is among the most promising players in the American League. Besides those two, the Guardians also have George Valera, Angel Martinez, Stuart Fairchild, Nolan Jones, CJ Kayfus, and Petey Halpin competing for roster spots.
Manager Stephen Vogt can’t possibly take all of them because of roster size limitations, so there will be a few players in this group ticketed for Triple-A. Halpin is doing everything in his power to avoid that fate, though.
“Petey Halpin continues his incredible spring with a tremendous catch in left field to rob Cubs Christian Bethancourt of extra bases. The Guardians have plenty of outfield options, but Halpin is making a strong case that he deserves to be on the Opening Day roster,” Guardians writer Tommy Wild posted on X.
Petey Halpin continues his incredible spring with a tremendous catch in left field to rob #Cubs Christian Bethancourt of extra bases.
The #Guardians have plenty of outfield options, but Halpin is making a strong case that he deserves to be on the Opening Day roster.
— Tommy Wild (@ByTommyWild) March 17, 2026
Halpin has the athleticism and skills to be a very solid defensive outfielder at the highest level. Here’s the catch that Wild references, courtesy of Guardians Prospective:
Cleveland #Guardians OF prospect Petey Halpin makes a tremendous catch in left field leading to a 7-4-3 double play in the 1st inning tonight vs the Cubs.#GuardsSpring pic.twitter.com/fHD3Cfsrz6
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 17, 2026
To make things more difficult for Vogt, Halpin is enjoying a phenomenal spring training with the bat, too. He was, before Tuesday’s game, slashing a robust .286/.394/.571 with two home runs and three stolen bases in 33 plate appearances. That’s good for a jaw-dropping 147 wRC+.
He has been hitting the ball with authority and making things happen at the plate, on the basepaths, and also on the field. The team’s overall outfield depth will probably mean he starts the year in Triple-A Columbus, but that’s only temporary if he can prove he doesn’t belong in the minors anymore.
If Halpin can keep dominating, wherever the organization sends him, he will eventually earn opportunities in the majors. Injuries happen, as do prolonged slumps, suspensions, trades, and other situations.
It’s a matter of doing it consistently over a long period. Since he played 126 games in Triple-A last year and produced a modest 95 wRC+, Cleveland will want to be sure the gains he has made are sustainable before handing him a big shot.
NEXT: Tim Herrin Is Turning Back The Clock With Impressive Spring
