Guardians could fill multiple holes by signing this utility player

Jared Bloom

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Guardians could fill multiple holes by signing this utility player image

The Cleveland Guardians are coming off a season where they won the AL Central for the second year in a row and made the postseason. However, it did not come without some controversy. 

They were without their closer, Emmanuel Clase, for much of the season after he was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as an investigation into suspicious sports betting opened up. 

His time in the big leagues could be over, and when you pile on the fact that Cleveland has not done much over the offseason, the fanbase is starting to worry. 

MORE: The Guardians are risking their AL Central crown with a silent offseason

Guardians could fill multiple holes by signing this utility player 

If the Guardians do not do much else over the offseason, they will come into the new season with a young lineup. C.J. Kayfus, George Valera, Travis Bazzana, and Chase DeLauter are exciting names, but they have limited big-league experience. 

Signing a utility player could be a great move for Cleveland. And luckily for them, Isiah Kiner-Falefa still sits on the open market, waiting for his next opportunity. 

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller suggests that this could be a realistic option for the club. 

"It's looking like the Guardians will have C.J. Kayfus, George Valera, and Chase DeLauter in their starting lineup on Opening Day, which means one-third of their batting order has a combined total of 60 games of regular-season experience at the MLB level. Sure sounds like a team that would benefit from adding another inexpensive super utilityman, you know, just in case. UTIL Isiah Kiner-Falefa is still out there for the taking."

Kiner-Falefa is an elite defender and would provide stability in a rookie-focused lineup. He also has a solid enough bat to complement the exciting slugging power that the Cleveland youngsters could showcase in 2026.

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