The Cleveland Guardians enter the offseason with a clear objective: improve their performance against left-handed pitching. Last season, Cleveland produced one of the lowest OPS marks in Major League Baseball when facing southpaws, a weakness that became even more evident in the outfield. Despite their overall competitiveness, the Guardians’ lineup remained heavily left-handed, giving opposing teams an easy tactical advantage. As a result, adding a right-handed hitting outfielder has become one of the most practical and necessary steps the club can take to strengthen its offense for the upcoming season.
The imbalance in Cleveland’s lineup was striking. The Guardians recorded the fewest plate appearances by right-handed hitters in all of baseball, and their outfielders combined for an underwhelming .604 OPS against left-handers. With players like Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, George Valera and C.J. Kayfus filling out the outfield picture, the Guardians’ depth chart featured an abundance of left-handed bats — talented, but vulnerable when matched against left-handed pitching. To avoid repeating last season’s struggles, the team must bring in a right-handed outfield option with proven success versus southpaws.
Several free-agent outfielders fit this requirement, offering a mix of power, contact and defensive range. One of the most intriguing names is Miguel Andújar, who enjoyed a strong season at the plate, especially against left-handers. In 2025, Andújar delivered a .986 OPS and 171 wRC+ in such matchups, ranking among the league’s most effective hitters against southpaws. His experience in both the infield and outfield gives Cleveland additional flexibility, and his right-handed bat fills a need without disrupting the development of younger players.
Harrison Bader is another option who could bring immediate impact. At age 32, Bader produced one of his most complete offensive seasons, slashing .277/.347/.449 across 146 games. Known for his athleticism and strong defense, Bader also demonstrated improved power and bat speed. His versatility allows him to play center field or a corner spot, and his right-handed hitting profile makes him a natural complement to Cleveland’s existing roster.
Then there is Austin Hays, who has consistently shown the ability to hit lefties throughout his career. He posted a .768 OPS with 15 home runs in 2025, and remained a reliable option in right field. His blend of moderate power and above-average production against southpaws would help stabilize Cleveland’s outfield while offering manager Stephen Vogt dependable platoon options.
Veteran Rob Refsnyder also stands out as a realistic, affordable match. Although 35, Refsnyder posted a strong .959 OPS against left-handers last season while splitting time across multiple outfield spots. His defensive versatility and disciplined approach at the plate make him a low-risk signing who could give Cleveland immediate right-handed balance.
The Guardians don’t necessarily need a full-time star — they need complementary production and tactical flexibility. A right-handed hitting outfielder provides exactly that, enabling Cleveland to mix and match lineups more effectively and avoid being neutralized by left-handed pitching. With several low- to mid-cost options available, the team can address a critical weakness without sacrificing payroll or blocking emerging prospects.
As the offseason market unfolds, the Guardians have a valuable opportunity to turn a major liability into a strength. Adding one of these free-agent outfielders could be the spark the lineup needs to deliver more consistent offense in the season ahead.
Leave a Reply