As the 2026 MLB season kicks off, fans of the Cleveland Guardians might find themselves glancing at some familiar names in new uniforms. While Cleveland's current roster is full of promise, several former Guardians are navigating choppy waters with their new teams. Let's dive into the early struggles of three such players and consider what might be on the horizon for them.
1B Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor's transition to the Seattle Mariners hasn't been smooth sailing. The Guardians faced off against Naylor and his new team right out of the gate, and it was a reunion that favored Cleveland.
Naylor's bat has been silent, going 0-for-15 with three walks in the series against his former team, followed by an 0-for-4 performance with a strikeout against the Mets. It's not the start the Mariners envisioned when they signed him to a lucrative deal in the offseason.
Naylor's streaky nature at the plate isn't news to anyone who's followed his career. Last season, he impressed with a .299 average, nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 steals in just 54 games after a midseason trade to Seattle.
Despite the slow start, his past performance suggests it's only a matter of time before he finds his groove again. For now, the Guardians can breathe a sigh of relief for dodging his potential resurgence.
OF Lane Thomas
Lane Thomas, a fan favorite for his clutch playoff heroics with the Guardians, is finding his footing with the Kansas City Royals. Signing a one-year deal with a division rival, Thomas has had a rocky start, going 1-for-9 in four games. His lone hit came during the Royals' Opening Day loss to the Braves.
Thomas's role seems unsettled, with starts in both center and right field and appearances as a pinch-hitter. Injuries marred his final season in Cleveland, but his blend of power and speed remains tantalizing. While his start isn't ideal, there's still plenty of time for Thomas to harness his potential and make an impact this season.
RHP Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly's journey from a promising arm in the Guardians' bullpen to a key piece for the Athletics has had its ups and downs. After a standout 2023 season with a 3.78 ERA, Kelly faced a setback with a suspension in 2024 for violating the league's sports betting policy. He bounced back last season, posting a solid 3.18 ERA over 39 2/3 innings.
However, 2026 hasn't been kind to Kelly so far. In his first outing, he gave up a game-tying homer to Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays.
A couple of days later, he allowed another run in a loss to the Braves. While not as damaging as a blown save, these early hiccups are concerning for an Athletics team that entered the season with postseason aspirations but remains winless, partly due to bullpen woes.
As the season unfolds, these former Guardians have the talent and track record to turn things around. Fans will be watching closely to see if they can recapture the form that made them standout players in Cleveland.