On August 2, 2025, the Cleveland Guardians selected the contract of first baseman/outfielder CJ Kayfus, one of the most talented hitters in the farm system back then, to reinforce the offense at the major league level.
It took a while for him to get going, and he was exposed in that first month with a 63 wRC+. Adjusting to MLB-caliber pitching is no easy task, but Kayfus did it: in September, his 145 wRC+, six doubles, and two home runs aided the offense and helped enable the huge comeback to take the AL Central. All things considered, he had an amazing rookie season.
Generally speaking, a 96-wRC+ season for a young hitter who was called up in August after posting a 151 wRC+ in the high minors is incredibly encouraging. One would think Kayfus is guaranteed to make the 2026 Opening Day roster, especially considering his .829 spring OPS.
However, baseball can be cruel sometimes: Kayfus is not guaranteed a spot. In fact, he is unlikely to make the roster if the Guardians decide to carry Rhys Hoskins and Nolan Jones.
Let’s assume that the Guardians will take 13 pitchers on the active roster for the MLB season and 13 position players. Kayfus can play first base and the outfield corners. He is not a particularly good fielder in any of those positions, but he can be passable in both.
Hoskins and Kyle Manzardo would be the first basemen, and outfielders Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and George Valera are all locks to make the roster if healthy.
Tim Stebbins of MLB.com recently projected those three outfielders, plus Jones and utilityman Daniel Schneemann, leaving Martinez out.
Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal had Kwan, DeLauter, Valera, Martinez, and Jones, with Schneemann out.
None of them had Kayfus on the roster, and that’s probably not fair for the guy, given what he achieved last year. It’s not that he deserves a spot because of his 2025: he should be included because he is an above-average hitter right now and has potential to become something more if he gets enough competitive at-bats to develop.
The Guardians could prioritize Jones for his ability to play the three outfield spots, or Martinez and Schneemann because they are even more versatile. Kayfus might just be a better hitter than all of them.
NEXT: Insider Reveals What He's Hearing About Guardians' Outfield Plans
