The Cleveland Guardians had a shockingly good season. They weren’t supposed to get that far in the playoffs, given their glaring offensive needs.
Even so, Stephen Vogt’s team got the job done when it mattered the most. They rallied from a 15.5-game deficit, the largest in MLB history, to win a divisional pennant, and their timely hitting and strong pitching helped them get back to the playoffs.
However, it was painfully evident that it wasn’t enough. They needed more firepower, and their lack of hitting ultimately doomed them in the playoffs.
With that in mind, MLB insider Andy McCullough urged them to make a run at an underrated and attainable outfielder. In his latest column, he pointed to a former Baltimore Orioles star as a perfect target for the Guardians:
“OF Austin Hays,” McCullough wrote. “Cleveland rarely dips its toes deep into the free-agent pool, so we’re just following breadcrumbs here. A right-handed-hitting outfielder such as Hays would aid a team that features left-handed-hitting outfielders in Steven Kwan, George Valera and Chase DeLauter. Hays plays solid defense in the corners and mauled lefties in 2025.”
Hays is the type of player the Guardians could certainly make a run at. He’s a serviceable and proven hitter who’s unlikely to demand a big-time or long-term contract. Also, he’s a perfect fit for what they need.
Whether they will end up trading Steven Kwan or not remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a strong possibility. Whatever the case, even if they hold onto him, they will still need to add some righty firepower to the outfield.
Hays is a proven veteran with a track record of success. He can be a stopgap there while the Guardians continue to work on developing their young sluggers, all while also being an above-average defensive presence in the outfield.
NEXT: Guardians Named 'Interesting Fit' For Veteran Outfielder
