Through 40 games there has been an interesting array of performances from the Cleveland Guardians outfielders. Hot and cold streaks mixed in with underperformance has led to this wide range of results.
The regulars
Steven Kwan: .257/.358/.354, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 13 RBI, 19 runs, 17 walks, 11 strikeouts
Myles Straw: .240/.335/.312, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 6 RBI, 30 runs, 8 stolen bases, 23 walks, 29 strikeouts
Oscar Mercado: .207/.229/.402, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 15 RBI, 11 runs, 2 walks, 24 strikeouts
Franmil Reyes: .195/.255/.278, 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 12 RBI, 9 runs, 10 walks, 57 strikeouts
One bright spot here is Steven Kwan’s 17-11 strikeout to walk ratio. While Kwan has struggled mightily over the past 10 games with just four hits in 32 at-bats, he did reach base five times via the base on balls with only two strikeouts. Hopefully Kwan can settle somewhere between his hot start and this current bad stretch. That type of consistency would do wonders for the Guardians lineup.
Myles Straw having nine doubles and eight stolen bases (nine attempts) is encouraging from Cleveland’s leadoff hitter. Straw’s speed is what keeps him at the top of the lineup, however if he is not able to get closer to his performance from last season there could be a reason to make a change.
Oscar Mercado has been getting semi-regular playing time, but mostly out of necessity. Franmil Reyes is primarily a designated hitter and is currently injured. Josh Naylor joined the team late, missed time due to COVID-19, and spends most of his time at first base. Ernie Clement and Amed Rosario have played in the outfield on a part-time basis when they are not in the infield. Richie Palacios has been recalled again with Oscar Gonzalez making his MLB debut Thursday. It appears that there are plenty of options to play who offer more offensive upside in Mercado. Considering Mercado’s 24-2 strikeout to walk rate it may not be a bad idea.
2022 has not been kind to Franmil Reyes. Reyes has just three home runs and two doubles in 35 games, far from the expected power production. In 145 plate appearances Reyes has struck out 57 times with 10 walks. Over aggression and compete lack of plate discipline has led to this underwhelming start to this season.
The non-regulars
Richie Palacios: .270/.308/.297, 1 double, 2 RBI, 1 run, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts (37 at-bats)
Oscar Gonzalez: 2-4, 1 double
As mentioned above, Palacios and Gonzalez could be realistic options for meaningful playing time should more roster changes be made. The Guardians have already made major decisions for multiple players this season. Bradley Zimmer and Daniel Johnson have been traded to the Blue Jays and Mets respectively. The club also designated Bobby Bradley and Yu Chang for assignment to continue their clutter clearing process. Cleveland turning the page on these players shows that the team is willing to move on from guys given chances who have not taken the job and ran with it. Continuing that practice with Mercado appears to be a very real possibility.
2022 was always going to be about transition and development. Moving on from players who are definitely not in their future plans while allowing others with upside to take their place. The outfield has been a problem for the Guardians for some time, perhaps they are getting closer to finding answers at the position. There are more players in the system on the way, but finding a consistent baseline with their current options would go a long way for this franchise.
