Stephen Vogt Plans To Give Newest Guardians Outfielder 'Chance To Play'

Stephen Vogt has high praise for the newest Cleveland Guardians outfielder Estevan Florial.

The outfield is among the biggest question marks for the Cleveland Guardians heading into 2024. Outside of Steven Kwan, it's a long list of players who have something to prove.

One player who will be in the mix is the newest member of the position group, Estevan Florial. First-year manager Stephen Vogt had high praise for the 26-year-old about what he can contribute both offensively and defensively.

“I love the swing. He passes the eye test,” Vogt said. “This guy is physical, he has a lot of power, he’s fast, he can play some outfield. For him, getting a fresh start with us, getting out of the situation in New York, where he was kind of blocked, he’s going to get a chance to play.” (quote via Zack Meisel of The Athletic)

Sep 17, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Estevan Florial (90) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Florial certainly was blocked in New York. There was no opportunity for playing time with the Yankees between Aaron Judge, Oswaldo Cabrera, Trent Grisham, and newcomers Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo.

There are plenty of holes in Cleveland's outfield and Florial has a chance to fill them, especially on offense. As Vogt said, Estevan hasn't had a tone of Big League experience but he's put up solid numbers in the Minors.

Florial has a .265/.358/.490 slash line and a .848 OPS in three seasons at the Triple-A level. He's also hit 28 home runs in 2023 and that power potential is really what sticks out.

Cleveland's offense needs a boost and that has to come from the outfield. Florial may be the answer to those issues and Vogt appears ready to give him the opportunity to show what he can do.