Top Right-Handed Hitters the Cleveland Guardians Should Consider

The Cleveland Guardians have remained competitive in Major League Baseball thanks to two key strategies that have been pivotal to their recent success.

Firstly, the team excels in identifying, acquiring, and nurturing pitching talent. Their impressive track record with both starters and relievers reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to building a strong pitching lineup.

Secondly, the Guardians have successfully scouted and developed a roster of promising left-handed hitters. Among these are standout players like Steven Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, Chase DeLauter, C.J. Kayfus, George Valera, and Travis Bazzana, all of whom have proven themselves as formidable assets at the plate.

However, with left-handed pitching having posed challenges for Cleveland’s offense this season, the team now faces the crucial task of acquiring experienced right-handed hitters to enhance their scoring capabilities.

Secondly, the Guardians have done a nice job of identifying and developing some talented left-handed hitters.

In fact, left-handed hitters Steven Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, Chase DeLauter, C.J. Kayfus, George Valera, and Travis Bazzana are quality hitters.

Because left-handed pitching dominated Cleveland’s offense this season, the team must find some veteran right-handed bats to bolster their run production.

It may require trading Steven Kwan or pitching to obtain a solid veteran right-handed hitter.

Here are the 2025 Guardians offensive statistics:

643 runs produced: 28th in MLB

.226 team batting average: 29th in MLB

.256 on base percentage: 29th in MLB

This writer’s highest regarded target would be Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies.

This writer would include Kwan and prospects, or Kwan and a pitcher like Logan Allen in any trade talks with teams willing to package a deal that includes a quality right-handed hitting, veteran outfielder.

Potential Targets The Guardians Should Consider:

(In preferential order)

1- Jordan Beck-Colorado Rockies-he isn’t eligible for arbitration, and won’t be a free agent until 2031-OF-Bats Right-Age 24-minimal salary, with lots of team control

Beck is this old scout’s No.1 target. He will be tough to pry from Colorado. It will take giving up quality players to get Beck.

Beck hit .258/317/.416/.732, with 27 doubles, five triples, 16 homers, and 19 stolen bases for a very bad Rockies team.

Beck, a former 2022 1st round pick is young, athletic, powerful, a good defender, and has speed. He would bring the total package.

With Kwan as the centerpiece of the deal, perhaps the Rockies and Guardians can find common ground to bring Beck to Cleveland.#

2-Harrison Bader-free agent with a mutual option being held by the Phillies-OF-Age 31-Bats Right-2025 salary was $6.25M
The Guardians might have to trade for Bader. But he can take over center field, and has a nice bat with some pop. He hit 24 doubles, 17 homers, and drove in 54 runs combined with the Twins and Phillies.#

3- Austin Hays-Cincinnati Reds-Mutual option between Hays and the Reds for 2026-OF-Bats Right-Age 30-$5M 2025 salary.

The team might have to trade for Hays, if the Reds and Hays accept his option. But he would be an ideal left fielder, with Steven Kwan potentially moving to center, or being traded.

Hays is a good athlete, and he can hit.#

4-Adolis Garcia-Texas Rangers-eligible for salary arbitration, requiring a trade with the Rangers-OF/DH-Bats Right-Age 25-Likely a $15-16M player

Garcia had an off year, hitting only 28 doubles, and 19 home runs, driving in 75 for the Rangers. But the man has power. Lots of swings and misses, but he has the type of power Cleveland needs.

This one may take a trade of a starting pitcher like Logan Allen, and/or including Kwan in a blockbuster trade. But to this old scout, he’s worth the risk.#

5-Rob Refsynder-free agent-OF/DH-Bats Right-Age 34-2025 salary=$3.95M

Clearly an aging veteran, Refsnyder hit .302 with seven homers, and 25 RBIs against lefties for Boston this past season. He served mainly in a platoon.

He will come at a reasonable price, and can be one of two new additions to add some pop and quality hitting on the Guardians 26-man roster.

6- Randal Grichuk-mutual option-OF/DH-Bats Right-Age 34-2025 salary $5M

Grichuk ended up with the Kansas City Royals after being traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Grichuk can still flash power against left-handed pitching. He hit nine homers last season combined for Arizona and Kansas City. But he also had 18 doubles. He should not be overlooked.

7—Ryan Mountcastle-Baltimore Orioles-arbitration eligible, free agent in 2027-1B/OF-Bats Right-Age 28-$6.7 salary will increase in arbitration.

Mountcastle can be a right-handed platoon player at 1B, or take over left field permanently. He can still hit, and I think his stock has dropped in Baltimore. He is a good option for LF, with Kwan in center or traded.#

# equals a player that may require including a player like Steven Kwan, and/or a pitcher like Logan Allen in a blockbuster trade.