The Cleveland Guardians faced a tough challenge during the 2025 season. Their lineup was heavily skewed toward left-handed hitters, with only one player, Gabriel Arias, logging more than 200 at-bats from the right side. The team recorded just 1,889 right-side plate appearances — the fewest in Major League Baseball. This imbalance translated directly into offensive struggles, as Cleveland posted a .647 OPS against left-handed pitching, ranking 27th among MLB teams.
The youth-heavy outfield core, consisting primarily of left-handed hitters like Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus, limited the team’s versatility against southpaws. Adding a seasoned right-handed bat could help Cleveland balance its lineup and improve performance against left-handed pitchers.
Among potential free agents, Miguel Andújar stands out. At 31, Andújar brings versatility, having played both corner infield and corner outfield positions. In 2025, he hit .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 94 games. Most importantly, against left-handed pitching, he posted a .986 OPS and 171 wRC+, ranking among the top in the league. Though he has more experience at first and third base, Andújar could slot into right field in platoon situations, providing a potent right-handed option.
Another candidate is Harrison Bader, who turned 32 next June. Bader enjoyed one of his best offensive seasons in 2025, hitting 17 home runs with a .277/.347/.449 slash line over 146 games between the Twins and Phillies. His underlying metrics improved, with a career-high hard-hit rate of 40.3% and a barrel rate of 10.2%. Bader’s experience in all three outfield spots makes him a flexible option, allowing Cleveland to preserve opportunities for younger talent while adding a proven bat.
Austin Hays, 30, is another right-handed outfielder worth considering. In 2025 with the Reds, Hays hit 15 home runs with a .768 OPS over 103 games. Against left-handed pitching, he recorded a .949 OPS, ranking 14th in the majors among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances. Hays has experience in right and left field, offering positional flexibility, and could lead the Guardians in home runs, OPS, and RBIs if given everyday at-bats.
Finally, Rob Refsnyder, at 35, provides veteran experience and platoon value. Over his career, he has played all three outfield positions, primarily in corners. In 2025 with the Red Sox, Refsnyder posted a .959 OPS and 159 wRC+ against left-handed pitching, ranking among the league’s top marks for qualified hitters. As a lower-cost option, he could provide depth and veteran leadership while complementing younger players in the outfield.
By targeting one or more of these right-handed free agents, the Guardians could directly address a glaring offensive imbalance. Such acquisitions would improve Cleveland’s performance against left-handed pitching and create strategic flexibility without blocking the development of young outfielders like DeLauter, Valera, or Kayfus.
In a season where Cleveland struggled mightily against southpaws and finished last in outfield OPS, adding a right-handed bat could be transformative. Whether it’s Andújar, Bader, Hays, or Refsnyder, the right signing might not just patch a hole but bring long-needed balance to a one-sided lineup, setting the Guardians up for a more competitive 2026 season.
Leave a Reply