The Cleveland Guardians enter yet another offseason with a familiar problem: the outfield remains a glaring weak spot. It’s been that way for years - a revolving door of players who, frankly, haven’t produced at the plate. Outside of Steven Kwan, who’s been a steady presence, the outfield has lacked consistent offensive punch, and the numbers back that up in a big way.
Here’s the reality: Cleveland’s outfield ranked dead last in the American League in OPS last season at .629. That’s not just bad - it’s a sign of a lineup that’s missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. In today’s game, where power and production from the corners are almost a necessity, the Guardians are falling short.
That’s where a name like Austin Hays comes into the picture.
The former Reds and Orioles outfielder is being floated as a potential fit for Cleveland, and the idea makes a lot of sense. Hays isn’t a superstar, but he’s the kind of reliable, veteran bat that this lineup could use - especially in the outfield.
In 2025, Hays posted 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, and a .768 OPS over 103 games. Those numbers might not jump off the page league-wide, but within the context of the Guardians’ outfield, they’d be a massive upgrade.
In fact, he would’ve led Cleveland’s outfielders in all three of those categories.
That’s a telling stat. It speaks not only to Hays’ solid production but also to just how dire things have been in Cleveland’s outfield.
And while the Guardians aren’t known for big spending in free agency, Hays could represent the kind of smart, cost-effective signing that fits their approach. He’s 30, has a track record of success - particularly during his time in Baltimore from 2021 to 2023 - and brings a level of consistency that’s been missing in Cleveland’s outfield mix.
There’s another layer to this, too. Cleveland has reportedly at least considered the possibility of trading Steven Kwan, which would dramatically reshape the outfield picture. Kwan has been the one bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming group, so moving him would mean the Guardians would need to add not just one, but potentially multiple outfielders to stay competitive.
That’s why the best path forward might be the simplest one: keep Kwan and add Hays. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s a meaningful one.
Hays could slot into a corner outfield spot, offer some pop, and help balance a lineup that’s been light on power. Pairing him with Kwan’s contact-heavy approach gives Cleveland a more well-rounded outfield - something they haven’t had in years.
The Guardians don’t need to overhaul the roster to make progress - they just need to stop treading water in the outfield. Signing Austin Hays would be a step in the right direction.