The Cleveland Guardians seem to have an abundance of young outfielders ready to take on significant roles this season. Chase DeLauter is expected to make his regular-season debut after George Valera and CJ Kayfus were called up late last year.
In addition, Nolan Jones is in line for a starting job, and Steven Kwan is still just entering his fifth MLB season. With Angel Martinez also returning, it doesn’t look like there’s room for another prospect on the final roster.
However, the stats show that young Guardians outfielder Kahlil Watson is ready for the big leagues after performing very well at Triple-A last season.
“Watson was added to the team’s 40-man roster after the 2025 season. He finished last year on a tear over his final 33 games at Triple-A Columbus. AB) 113, H) 33, R) 21, 2B) 7, 3B) 1, HR) 7, RBI) 23, BB) 20, SB) 10, AVG) .292, OBP) .401, SLG) .558, OPS) .959,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland 22yr old OF prospect Kahlil Watson looking sharp in his #Guardians uniform.
Watson was added to the team's 40-man roster after the 2025 season.
He finished last year on a tear
over his final 33 games at Triple-A Columbus.AB) 113
H) 33
R) 21
2B) 7
3B) 1
HR) 7
RBI)… pic.twitter.com/Nsc4pyAA4G— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) February 19, 2026
Watson has been a heralded prospect for some time, and he was even considered to be the potential No. 1 overall pick as a shortstop in the 2021 MLB Draft. Based on signability and other concerns, he fell to the Miami Marlins at No. 16 overall.
He was traded to Cleveland in August 2023 in the deal that sent Josh Bell to Miami. Watson was moved to the outfield full-time, and he ended the 2025 season as Cleveland’s No. 18 overall prospect as ranked by MLB.com.
Cleveland added him to the 40-man roster this offseason in part to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Now, he may have an opportunity to stick with the major league club.
The Guardians’ outfield is in flux as manager Stephen Vogt tries to figure out its best combination. Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan is being considered for a move to center field, which could leave a corner spot open for DeLauter, Valera, Nolan Jones, or Johnathan Rodriguez.
Watson may bring a more well-rounded game than any of them, as he has 77 stolen bases to go along with 56 home runs in his minor league career. However, his strikeout rate of close to 30 percent will likely need to be improved before he can make his MLB debut.
About to turn 23 years old in April, Watson could have a bright future with the Guardians.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Reveals What Position Travis Bazzana Will Play In Spring Training
