“Cleveland Guardians’ Outfield Conundrum: Exploring Unconventional Options and Potential Positional Shifts”
Less than a month remains until pitchers and catchers report, and the Cleveland Guardians face a significant gap in their roster, particularly in the outfield, as a looming question mark for the upcoming season. While they’ve made moves such as acquiring Estevan Florial and securing a one-year deal with Ramon Laureano, there’s still a hunger for increased offensive production from the outfield.
Considering this, the Guardians might need to think outside the box and explore unconventional options. They might contemplate deploying a player out of their usual position to inject the much-needed offensive prowess into the lineup. In this scenario, which members of the Guardians’ roster could potentially be considered as candidates for a transition to the outfield in the upcoming season?
Tyler Freeman
Tyler Freeman had limited playing time in the previous season, yet he demonstrated commendable performance in the opportunities afforded to him. There’s a possibility of Freeman making a positional shift to the outfield, a notion supported by reports of him working with the team’s outfield coach at the Goodyear Development Complex during the offseason. This potential transition could unfold during spring training or even in the regular season.
Recognized for his athleticism, Freeman has exhibited his capabilities on various occasions. While he might not currently be considered the team’s top defensive outfielder, providing him an opportunity in that role could be worthwhile, especially if his offensive contributions prove valuable.
Angel Martinez
While Angel Martinez is yet to debut in the Major Leagues, he has secured a spot on the 40-man roster. As a middle infielder, Martinez faces a challenge within the Cleveland organization, given the presence of players like Andres Gimenez, Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, and Freeman. This competition might be a factor delaying Martinez’s promotion.
If it appears unlikely for Martinez to secure a Major League spot at second base or shortstop, a potential solution could be exploring a positional shift to address team needs. There are reports indicating that Martinez spent time working on his skills in center field during the offseason at the organization’s Dominican Academy.
Having posted a .268/.320/.401 batting line at the Triple-A level last season, Martinez could add an intriguing element to the team if he proves capable of playing the outfield at Progressive Field. This adaptability could make him a valuable asset in the team’s roster dynamics.
Deyvison De Los Santos
The Guardians are obligated to retain Deyvison De Los Santos on the roster to prevent him from being returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks, as per the Rule 5 Draft regulations. However, finding an ideal role for him poses a challenge given his designation as a corner infielder, a position already occupied by Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor.
Considering this dilemma, it might be worthwhile to explore De Los Santos’s versatility by trying him out in a position where the team faces a pressing need. The outfield is an option he has expressed interest in, and it could be a mutually beneficial solution. This arrangement would allow Deyvison to remain with the Big League club, and the team, in turn, could benefit from his power potential as a corner outfielder.
