Chase DeLauter's recent surgery for a sports hernia has left the Cleveland Guardians facing a significant challenge heading into the new season. With an expected recovery time of 8 to 12 weeks, DeLauter's absence from the Opening Day roster highlights the Guardians' glaring weakness in their outfield's offensive production. Last year's performance from the outfielders was lackluster, particularly in right field, where the combined slash line of .219/.288/.385 was one of the worst in the AL.

This setback places the Guardians in a precarious position, having to rely on their existing outfielders such as Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel, who struggled to deliver adequate offensive contributions last season. The organization could have benefited from securing a free-agent outfielder as insurance, especially given DeLauter's injury history. Now, Cleveland must regroup and find a way to improve their offensive output from a struggling outfield as they prepare for the 2024 season.

Identifying breakout players can significantly enhance your fantasy baseball strategy. This season, several American League outfielders are primed for a leap forward, especially given their current Average Draft Positions (ADPs). A carefully chosen breakout talent can provide excellent value, so consider these five players:

Jhonkensy Noel of the Cleveland Guardians showcased impressive power in 2024, hitting 13 home runs in just 198 plate appearances. With a high barrel rate and solid hard-hit percentage, he could be a late-round steal with potential for greater playing time in 2025.

Kerry Carpenter, despite missing part of last season due to injury, still posted impressive numbers. His ability to hit well against right-handers makes him a candidate for value at an ADP of 198, especially if he improves against lefties.

Lawrence Butler of the Oakland Athletics combines power and speed, having already shown signs of a breakout with a 20/20 potential. His ADP is higher due to his previous success, but he's worth considering as he embarks on his first full MLB season.

Juan Brito, another Guardian, is in a position battle for the second base job but offers outfield eligibility. If he secures a regular spot, his potential upside at an ADP of 640 makes him a noteworthy late-round pick.

Lastly, Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels remains a tantalizing option. With past pedigree and potential for increased playing time, he could finally fulfill his breakout promise at a low-cost ADP outside the top 400.

The Cleveland Guardians experienced a standout 2024 season, significantly influenced by unexpected contributors like outfielder Jhonkensy Noel. Making his major league debut in June, Noel showcased his power by hitting 13 home runs with a .774 OPS in just 198 plate appearances. His performance sparked discussions among fans about him securing a starting role in right field for 2025. However, Guardians insider Mandy Bell cautioned that the team might prefer a rotation in right field, citing concerns over Noel’s ability to handle an everyday role. Although Noel’s explosive batting is undeniable, he struggled with a .218 batting average, leading to 63 strikeouts against only 13 walks. Bell emphasized that for Noel to thrive, he needs to improve his pitch selection and patience at the plate.

The Cleveland Guardians are facing significant offensive challenges as the 2024 season comes to a close, struggling to improve upon their lackluster performance from the previous year. The team made a controversial move by trading away Josh Naylor and bringing in 37-year-old Carlos Santana, raising questions about their strategy for bolstering their lineup.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Guardians are relying heavily on their young hitters to step up, particularly Kyle Manzardo. Projections from Dan Szymborski at FanGraphs suggest that Manzardo could have a breakout year, forecasting a batting line of .247/.334/.445 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs over 491 plate appearances. This would mark a considerable improvement from his previous season, where he only managed a .234 average with five home runs.

For the Guardians to alleviate the impact of Naylor's departure, Manzardo’s performance will be crucial. His potential resurgence, alongside expected contributions from star player José Ramirez and other young talents like Jhonkensy Noel, is imperative for the team's success. However, there are still concerns over the lack of additional offensive acquisitions, and time is running out before the start of the regular season.

The Cleveland Guardians are set to revamp their infield for the 2025 season after trading Josh Naylor and losing Andres Gimenez. With a need for a new first baseman, the team is considering Kyle Manzardo and Carlos Santana, who has reportedly signed a one-year deal.

Chris Antonetti also highlighted Jhonkensy Noel as a potential option, despite his limited experience at first base in the majors. Noel's versatility and strong minor league performance make him a candidate to contribute to the lineup in various roles.