The current rash of injuries has forced the Cleveland Guardians to use their upper-minors depth a lot this season. We have seen George Valera, CJ Kayfus, Petey Halpin, Stuart Fairchild, and, more recently, Khalil Watson get chances.
Even though some of them aren’t in the majors at the moment, they have all received MLB opportunities. The fact that the organization keeps producing useful players to patch holes in the lineup is nothing short of amazing.
Cleveland.com insider Paul Hoynes praised the team for its ability to create and develop this depth, with Watson the most recent example of someone holding his own and shaping up as an outfield contributor.
“Where do the Guardians get these guys [like Kahlil Watson]? It seems like they’ve been on a conveyor belt of rookies coming up and doing well,” Hoynes said. “If anybody swings a bat well and consistently and can drive in runs like he’s showing, you find a place for that guy.”
Hoynes, as usual, makes a very good point. The Guardians’ offense isn’t anything to write home about, not right now and not with Jose Ramirez, Angel Martinez, and Chase DeLauter on the injured list. So, if you can add someone who is suddenly producing and swinging the bat well, you play him until he becomes unplayable. It’s simple.
Cleveland needs reliable hitters. That was the case even before the aforementioned trio got injured, and it’s especially true now that they aren’t available. If Watson, who is currently slashing .238/.273/.381 with a home run, a stolen base, and six RBIs in seven games, can provide a spark, he should be in the lineup until further notice.
Watson was sporting a 125 wRC+ with a .370 OBP, 12 home runs, and 15 stolen bases in 56 Triple-A games before getting the call. He is a 23-year-old former first-round pick who was acquired in the 2023 Josh Bell trade.
To sum up, the Guardians have a talented young player with a prospect pedigree, speed, power, and the ability to take walks. Yes, he strikes out a ton, but the overall package is very, very enticing.
He should be getting regular at-bats until he cools off.
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