The Cleveland Guardians have been winning games despite one glaring weakness – they can’t hit. Between 2016 and 2018, Cleveland ranked 5th, 6th, and 3rd in runs scored. Since then? They haven’t finished better than 15th in any season.
The numbers get worse. In 2020, 2023, and 2024, the Guardians ranked 24th, 27th, and 28th in runs scored. Yet they still made the playoffs twice during that stretch, riding solid defense and excellent pitching to October.
Just imagine what this team could do with a top-10 offense.
After years of prospects who could only hit home runs or do one thing well, Cleveland finally has some guys who can actually hit in different situations. Three players are making it impossible to ignore them this spring, putting up numbers that should earn them Opening Day roster spots.
Kody Huff Could Solve the Catching Problem
The Guardians need help behind the plate. Bo Naylor brings excellent defense, but his bat remains a liability. It’s probably time to find a long-term replacement.
Enter Kody Huff. He’s hitting .239 across his minor league career and struggled in Triple-A Columbus, managing just .222 in 361 at-bats. But this spring? He’s slashing .364 with a team-leading .588 on-base percentage.
Huff’s getting on base and driving the ball with authority. The consistency issues from the minors seem to be fading, and that development should be enough to warrant serious consideration for a roster spot.
Petey Halpin Brings Pop to Center Field
The Guardians could use a center fielder with some thump. Petey Halpin has hit .253 in the minors with 12 and 14 home runs over the last two seasons. Those aren’t Aaron Judge numbers, but considering Cleveland’s offensive struggles, any pop helps.
Halpin’s raised his game this spring with a .353/.476/.588 slash line. With the team considering moving Steve Kwan to center field, it’s clear they need outfield help. Calling up Halpin would let Kwan stay in his natural left field position.
The move makes sense from multiple angles.
Chase DeLauter’s Leading the Pack
When you’re leading the team with a 1.494 OPS, you’ve done something special. That’s where Chase DeLauter sits this spring, also pacing Cleveland with a .538 batting average.
It’s early, and DeLauter won’t maintain anything close to those numbers in the majors. But his success shows he’s got the potential to be a productive hitter at the next level.
With players like Nolan Jones struggling, the Guardians might need to promote some minor leaguers to start the season. Otherwise, they’re looking at another slow offensive start.
All things considered, these three players represent exactly what Cleveland’s been missing – guys who can hit in different situations and contribute immediately. The organization’s built a winner through pitching and defense. Now it’s time to see what happens when they add some actual offense to the mix.
