Spring training is the time for MLB teams to try out new things and see how they can make the best of their roster. The Cleveland Guardians are using it to try some different combinations in their outfield, perhaps surprisingly.
Even though Steven Kwan has been a Gold Glove left fielder in each of his four MLB seasons, he is being asked to play center field. That could open up opportunities for Chase DeLauter, George Valera, Johnathan Rodriguez, Angel Martinez and Nolan Jones.
Manager Stephen Vogt recently revealed his plans for the outfield in spring training, and it includes all of those players being used at different positions.
“I think if you’re an outfielder in camp, you’ll probably get a little time at multiple spots. I don’t think we have anyone in camp that’s going to only play one spot in the outfield,” Vogt said.
“I don't think we have anyone in camp that's going to only play one spot in the outfield.”
As the #Guardians plan to have Steven Kwan play some centerfield during spring, manager Stephen Vogt lists out who else you can expect to be in left. #GuardsBall x @WEWS pic.twitter.com/iu8EBP9bgp
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) February 20, 2026
The main reason for this experiment may be to ease the burden on DeLauter as he makes his regular-season MLB debut. One of the top prospects in the organization, he was promoted for the AL Wild Card round last season and was the starting center fielder in the final two games of the series loss.
Now, the Guardians may want to help his adjustment by having him play a less-demanding corner position. It also may give Vogt flexibility as he tries to deploy a more potent lineup.
Jones, who was the primary right fielder last season, and Valera have more offensive upside than Martinez, who was the starting center fielder. Rodriguez also has shown impressive power in the minors and will try to stick with the team coming out of camp.
Prospect Khalil Watson has shown major league potential and could play himself into the mix. He was added to the 40-man roster this offseason in order to avoid the Rule 5 draft.
With C.J. Kayfus in line to be the primary DH, finding at-bats for all of these players could prove to be difficult. But with nothing guaranteed from anyone outside of Kwan, and with DeLauter’s injury history, having so many options could prove to be beneficial.
How Vogt deploys his outfielders will be something to keep an eye on as the season approaches.
NEXT: MLB Analysts Project Guardians' Top Player In 2026
