It’s getting closer to the final decision point for the Cleveland Guardians’ roster to begin the 2026 regular season. Most of the positions in the lineup look to be settled, but there may still be some questions about how the outfield will look during the Opening Day introductions.
A small bit of clarity was provided recently when the Guardians optioned outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez to Triple-A Columbus. But, with five spots likely available on the 26-man team, those players and their positions have yet to be formalized.
Guardians executive Bob DiBiasio highlighted the tough choices facing manager Stephen Vogt in the outfield while acknowledging that you never know how it’s going to work out in the end.
“People forget in 2016, two-thirds of our outfield was Marlon Byrd and Collin Cowgill, and we end up going to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series. We still have some interesting decisions to make on some really talented baseball players,” DiBiasio said.
Will Chase DeLauter and George Valera both make the Opening Day roster? @BDbaseball6 likens this year's outfield setup to 2016. pic.twitter.com/BCAXnDGdFe
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) March 15, 2026
Though Cleveland did make it all the way to that heartbreaking end of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs with two non-descript outfielders on the team, it is better to have as much talent available at all times. With the Guardians projected to have no margin for error this season, it is important that they maximize the players they have.
Steven Kwan may be the only outfielder guaranteed to be in the everyday lineup. Whether the Gold Glove left fielder is back at his usual post or is used in center field remains to be seen.
Chase DeLauter was expected to have a role in the outfield as well, but he has dealt with some lower-body soreness during spring training, which may not bode well considering his injury history in the minor leagues. Fellow corner outfield prospect George Valera is having a solid spring, and Angel Martinez is a viable center field option depending on the alignment Vogt chooses.
Nolan Jones has failed to make the necessary impression to land a starting job with a .138 average in 29 spring at-bats after a disappointing 2025 season. That could leave the door open for someone like Petey Halpin or Stuart Fairchild to grab a coveted roster spot.
No matter who the Guardians decide on, if it ends up like the 2016 season, with one more win, everyone will be thrilled with the result.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Gets Honest About Logan Allen's First Spring Start
