Cleveland’s electrifying postseason performance took another twist when rumors tied the Guardians to a high-profile All-Star outfielder.NL
The Cleveland Guardians turned a lot of heads this past season – and not just because they made the playoffs. What made their run remarkable was how they got there.
At one point, they trailed by a staggering 15.5 games in the division – the largest comeback in MLB history to clinch a division title. That’s not just a feel-good story; that’s a testament to resilience, timely hitting, and a pitching staff that carried more than its weight.
But as inspiring as the Guardians’ surge was, their postseason exit laid bare a lingering issue: they simply didn’t have enough offense to hang with the big bats in October. The pitching was there.
The grit was there. The lineup?
Not quite.
That’s why a name like Austin Hays makes a lot of sense right now.
MLB insider Andy McCullough recently floated Hays as a potential fit for Cleveland, and he might be onto something. The Guardians don’t typically go big-game hunting in free agency, but Hays isn’t the kind of player who’ll break the bank.
He’s a right-handed bat who can hold his own defensively in the corner outfield spots and – here’s the kicker – he crushed left-handed pitching in 2025. That’s exactly the kind of profile this roster could use.
Right now, Cleveland’s outfield leans heavily left-handed with Steven Kwan, George Valera, and Chase DeLauter. That imbalance showed up in key matchups, especially when opposing teams could stack lefties out of the bullpen.
Hays would bring a much-needed counterpunch from the right side, and he wouldn’t block the development of their younger prospects either. He’s the kind of veteran who can contribute now while leaving the long-term runway clear for the next wave of talent.
There’s also the looming question of Steven Kwan’s future. Whether the Guardians explore trading him or not, the need for more right-handed pop in the outfield remains. Adding Hays wouldn’t necessarily mean subtracting Kwan, but it would give manager Stephen Vogt more flexibility – and more balance – when constructing his lineup.
Hays isn’t a flashy name, but he’s steady. He’s reliable. And he fits the mold of exactly what this team needs: a proven hitter who won’t cost a fortune, plays solid defense, and can help bridge the gap until the Guardians’ young bats are ready to take over full-time.
Cleveland showed they can punch above their weight. Now it’s time to add a few more punches to the lineup. Austin Hays might just be the kind of move that helps them go from playoff surprise to legitimate contender.
