Which Guardians Could Move To Outfield In 2024?
Pitchers and catchers report in less than a month and the biggest hole on the Cleveland Guardians' roster is still a big question mark for the upcoming season. They need more offensive production from their outfield.
Sure, they traded for Estevan Florial and brought back Ramon Laureano on a one-year deal.
Let's say the Cleveland needs to get creative. Let's say they decide to play someone out of position to get that much-needed bat into the lineup. Which Guardians could be candidates to move to the outfield next season?
Tyler Freeman
Tyler Freeman received sporadic playing time last season but looked solid in the opportunities he was given.
A move to the outfield isn't out of the question for Freeman. He's reportedly been getting work in with the team's outfield coach down at the Goodyear Development Complex over the offseason. Perhaps this is something we could see play out in spring training or in the regular season.
Freeman is a very athletic player and he's shown that on multiple occasions. He may not be the team's best defensive outfielder, but it'd be worth giving him a chance there if his bat is producing.
Sep 23, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Tyler Freeman (2) throws to first base in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Angel Martinez
Angel Martinez has yet to make his Major League debut, but he is on the 40-man roster. Bring a middle infielder, the conundrum Cleveland faces with Andres Gimenez, Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, and Freeman may be what is holding Martinez up.
If Martinez is not going to crack the Majors at second or short, why not move him to a position that is needed? He reportedly was getting some work in at center field over the offseason at the organization's Dominican Academy.
Martinez hit .268/.320/.401 at the Triple-A level last season. He could be an interesting piece to the equation if the team feels he can play the outfield at Progressive Field.
Deyvison De Los Santos
The Guardians need to keep Deyvison De Los Santos on the roster to avoid sending him back to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Those are the rules when a player is selected in the Rule 5 Draft.
However, his fit is a little tricky considering he's listed as a corner infielder. Cleveland is already set at both of those positions with Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor. So why not try De Los Santos out in a spot where the team desperately needs more help?
Playing the outfield is something that De Los Santos has expressed interest in doing. It may be the best for both sides too. Deyvison gets to stay with the Big League club and the team gets a power threat from a corner outfielder.
