Even though Taylor Ward has been traded to a new team, there are still multiple right-handed-hitting outfield options the Cleveland Guardians should target.
The first big trade of the MLB offseason went down last week, with Taylor Ward being sent to the Baltimore Orioles, and Grayson Rodriguez going to the Los Angeles Angels.
While there were never any official reports leading up to the deal that the Cleveland Guardians had any interest in Ward, he certainly would’ve been a great fit and made a lot of sense for the team.
With Ward now off the board, here are three right-handed hitting outfielders the Guardians should target over the winter.
Lane Thomas - Free Agent
Bringing back Lane Thomas for one more season is still a move that would make a lot of sense for the Guardians, especially after the Ward trade.
Yes, Thomas had an injury-filled 2025 season, but Cleveland could get him on a discount because of that. Plus, the 30-year-old has a career OPS of .859 against left-handed pitching throughout his career.
If Cleveland is specifically looking for a platoon, right-handed hitting outfielder, there might not be a better option on the free agent or trade market than Thomas.
Jun 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Lane Thomas (8) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesRamón Laureano - San Diego Padres (Trade)
Remember when Ramón Laureano ended the 2023 season and started the 2024 campaign with the Guardians? That experiment didn’t go great, but Laureano has re-vitalized his career since then and had a tremendous season in 2025.
The 31-year-old finished the year with a .281/.342/.512 slash line, including 24 home runs and 26 doubles. Laureano’s calling card has always been his success against lefties, and that continued in 2025, too. He finished the year with a .814 OPS against southpaw pitchers.
Would both sides be interested in a reunion this offseason to address one of Cleveland’s biggest needs?
Austin Slater - Free Agent
The Guardians may not get their first choice in right-handed hitting outfielder, and if they end up being in a bind to add another right-handed bat, Austin Slater could be a decent backup option.
The 32-year-old played with both the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees last season, and overall had a down season, but Slater still had an OPS of .726 against southpaws.
Then again, Cleveland may rather just want to see what else Jhonkensy Noel and Johnathan Rodriguez can do at the plate.