Guardians' Crowded Right Field Picture: Spring Training 2025

The Guardians' right field situation took a probable yet unexpected turn this week. With top prospect Chase DeLauter, ranked #2 in the organization, sidelined 8-12 weeks following sports hernia surgery, the competition has opened up beyond just the obvious candidates.

The returning duo of Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel remain the frontrunners, though Brennan comes off a disappointing 2024 where he posted a 98 wRC+ and struggled with a 33% strikeout rate in the postseason. Prospect Johnathan Rodriguez, ranked #13 by MLB, brings intriguing power potential. With 58 home runs over the past two seasons (29 in each), he offers a promising profile for a team that hasn't had a 20-homer outfielder since 2014.

But the competition doesn't end there. George Valera, once a top prospect who was designated for assignment in November before re-signing on a minor league deal, is getting another look after a solid Triple-A campaign. The Guardians are likely to explore other creative solutions, with utility players Gabriel Arias, Angel Martínez, and Tyler Freeman all potential options depending on how other position battles shake out.

While Rodriguez's power is tempting, his high groundball rate of 50.2% last year at Triple-A raises some concerns. With no clear and convincing stand out, and DeLauter's setback creating an extended opportunity, this spring battle could stretch well into the regular season before a permanent solution emerges.

Personally, I'm hoping Christmas comes early with Noel stepping up and claiming the full-time role.

Who do you think will win the Guardians' right field battle? Drop your prediction in the comments below!

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