The Cleveland Guardians need more outfield and help against left-handed pitching, and Austin Hays might be the perfect option.
At this point, the Cleveland Guardians’ strategy and mindset towards free agency are pretty clear; they’re not going to spend a ton on the open market, but are willing to bring in a veteran or two if they fit the team’s needs.
With that in mind, there are a few free agent bats that could make a ton of sense for the Guardians.
The Athletic’s Andy McCullough recently made one "Black Friday free-agent deal" prediction for each team, and believes Austin Hays could be a great option for Cleveland.
“Cleveland rarely dips its toes deep into the free-agent pool, so we’re just following breadcrumbs here,” wrote McCullough. “A right-handed-hitting outfielder such as Hays would aid a team that features left-handed-hitting outfielders in Steven Kwan, George Valera and Chase DeLauter. Hays plays solid defense in the corners and mauled lefties in 2025.”
Hays is someone who, personally, I believe would be a tremendous fit in Cleveland for a couple of reasons.
First, the Guardians need more outfield depth with Chase DeLauter and George Valera’s lengthy injury history. Those two should be at the top of the depth chart, but Cleveland still needs some backup options.
Plus, Hays is still a solid defender. In 2025, he had an outs above average of positive one, which was right around league average. Hays’ arm strength did rank in the 88th percentile, though, with an average of 91 mph.
What really makes Hats a great option for Cleveland, though, is his offensive fit. The 30-year-old is a right-handed hitter who, as McCullough mentioned, can crush left-handed pitching. The Guardians definitely need more of those types of hitters on their heavy left-handed hitting roster.
Last season, Hays registered a .266/.315/.453 slash line, including 15 home runs. Against left-handed pitching, particularly, though, the veteran had a .949 OPS. Cleveland had a team OPS of .647 against southpaws last year, so it definitely must improve in this department.
If the Guardians' plan was to bring Hays in specifically to be a platoon bat with DeLauter and Valera in the outfield, there would be a lot to like about where Cleveland stands heading into the 2026 season.