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.

As spring training heats up, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are gearing up for draft season. In the American League Central, several players present excellent value picks based on their current average draft positions (ADP). David Festa of the Minnesota Twins shows promise after improving significantly in his later appearances. Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians, despite a shaky batting average last season, offers upside with his potential for home runs and steals. Parker Meadows from the Detroit Tigers rebounded nicely after a rough start to showcase his hitting capabilities. Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox had an impressive finish in 2024, making him a compelling late-round target. Lastly, Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals has demonstrated remarkable contact ability, making him someone to watch for a potential breakout season.

The Cleveland Guardians kicked off their 2025 campaign with a nine-inning spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds, falling 6-3. Despite the loss, the game showcased promising performances, particularly from pitcher Triston McKenzie, who struck out one batter and allowed only one earned run, with a remarkable pitch strike percentage of 66.7% and an average fastball velocity of 94.2 mph.

Brayan Rocchio shone at the plate, hitting a leadoff double and ending the game with three hits, while Lane Thomas began the season with a two-run home run, filling the power void left by an injured Josh Naylor. The Guardians' spring training opens a window of optimism as they look to bounce back and build on last season's playoff successes.

September performances can often be overlooked during fantasy drafts, especially for players whose teams miss the playoffs. However, late-season surges can indicate potential breakout candidates for the following season. This article highlights five hitters who had strong finishes in September, showcasing their improved power metrics that suggest they could offer significant value in drafts.

Eugenio Suárez, despite a rough start, finished with impressive numbers, hitting .347 with 9 home runs in September. Michael Harris II also shined, rebounding after injury with a .316 average and 8 homers. Wyatt Langford made a splash as a rookie, hitting 8 home runs in September. Lane Thomas showed resilience, closing out the season with 7 home runs, while Randal Grichuk's late surge is worth monitoring as well.

The landscape of outfielders in fantasy baseball is filled with potential rebound candidates for the upcoming season. Identifying these players requires careful analysis of their previous performances and overall trends, particularly focusing on Average Draft Position (ADP). Randy Arozarena, now with the Seattle Mariners, showcases an intriguing opportunity to bounce back despite a challenging 2024 season where he struggled with a low batting average. The Mariners are optimistic about his ability to improve, especially given his solid flyball rate and increased BABIP following his trade from Tampa Bay.

Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians has seen a dip in value after a mixed 2024 campaign, despite a standout 2023. His swing adjustments have led to a decrease in power numbers, but if he can refine his technique, he could return to form. Finally, Nolan Jones from the Colorado Rockies is a wildcard; his injuries plagued his 2024 season, but he possesses the potential to thrive at Coors Field if he can regain his health and consistency. All three players present unique opportunities for savvy fantasy managers looking to capitalize on their current undervaluation.