The Cleveland Guardians are inching closer to breaking through. After making it to the ALCS in Stephen Vogt’s first season at the helm and capturing another AL Central crown last year, the pieces are starting to come together. But if there's one area that still needs a serious upgrade, it’s the offense.
Cleveland’s lineup struggled to keep pace with the league’s best bats in 2025. The outfield, in particular, was a weak spot - the Guardians finished dead last in the American League in outfield OPS at .629.
That’s a number that simply won’t cut it for a team with postseason aspirations. And while the pitching and defense have held their own, it’s clear the front office needs to bring in a bat or two to round out this roster.
Enter Austin Hays.
The 30-year-old outfielder isn’t a superstar, but he fits the Guardians’ mold: a dependable, experienced player with upside and a manageable price tag. Hays had a solid campaign with the Reds in 2025, hitting 15 home runs, driving in 64 runs, and posting a .768 OPS over 103 games. Those numbers don’t jump off the page in a vacuum, but put them in the context of Cleveland’s outfield production, and they stand out - Hays would’ve led the Guardians in all three of those categories.
That’s the kind of impact this team needs. Hays doesn’t require a long-term commitment or a massive contract, which aligns with how Cleveland typically operates in free agency.
They’ve never been the type to chase the biggest names or throw around nine-figure deals. Instead, they look for value - players who can outperform their contracts and fill specific needs.
Hays checks those boxes.
There’s been buzz around Hays and the Guardians for a few weeks now, and the fit makes sense. He brings postseason experience, solid pop, and a professional approach at the plate.
He’s not going to carry a lineup, but he doesn’t have to. What the Guardians need is a stabilizer - someone who can lengthen the batting order, drive in runs, and give opposing pitchers one more threat to think about.
Sure, fans might dream about splashier names like Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso. And who wouldn’t?
But realistically, those types of moves aren’t in the cards for Cleveland - not with the way this front office is built. Hays, on the other hand, is a move that could actually happen.
And more importantly, it’s a move that could help.
The Guardians aren’t far off. They’ve built a strong foundation with young pitching, a smart manager, and a front office that knows how to find value.
Now it’s about fine-tuning - making the right additions to push this team from playoff hopeful to serious contender. Adding a player like Hays won’t make headlines, but it could make a difference.
And sometimes, that’s all it takes.