Predicting Guardians 2024 Opening Day Outfield, Pre-Spring Training Edition
The Cleveland Guardians outfield is a topic that fans love to talk and debate about. One of the reasons this is a hot-button matter is that there are still a lot of unknowns. Will Deyvison De Los Santos prove he can transition to the outfield? Is Esetven Florial a true upgrade over what Cleveland already has? Where do prospects George Valera, Johnthan Rodrguez, and Jhonkensy Noel fit in?
There are a lot of different scenarios that could play out for the Guardians' outfield in 2024. This prediction is purely focused on what the position group will look like on Opening Day, not throughout the season.
Steven Kwan - LF
The first prediction here is far from a hot take. Steven Kwan has elite bat-to-ball skills making him a fantastic lead-off hitter and his two Gold Gloves speak for themselves in terms of how good his defense is.
Kwan being in the starting lineup on Opening Day feels like an easy lock.
Myles Straw - CF
No, this probably wasn't the prediction that a lot of fans were hoping to see on this list. Myles Straw's offense has been a liability at times and there's a case his defense doesn't make up for it.
However, this prediction is based on Mandy Bell's (Guardians reporter for MLB.com) newsletter about the positions that are up for grabs heading into spring training. She alluded to Straw probably being the frontrunner for the position to begin the year. But that could change as the season goes on.
Will Brennan - RF
At his best, Will Brennan is a plus defensive outfielder who can be a solid contact hitter and provide some pop in the middle of the lineup. He showed this during his stretch from the end of May through June of 2023.
Aug 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Will Brennan (17) catches a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (not pictured) during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The only problem is that this type of production was inconsistent and other players are waiting for their opportunity. With all that being said, Brennan does deserve a little bit more time to prove himself which makes him a likely candidate to start the season right on Opening Day.
*I reserve the right to change this prediction if the Opening Day starter for the Oakland A's is a lefty. In that case, I'm going with Ramon Laureano starting in right field because of his offensive splits against left-handed hitter.s
