Too many bodies, too few spots: the Guardians' outfield competition is about to get brutal

With Chase DeLauter, Stuart Fairchild, Angel Martinez, George Valera, and a struggling Nolan Jones all fighting for spots, the Guardians face their toughest Spring Training roster decisions yet.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Guardians are facing a crowded outfield competition this spring, with several talented players vying for limited roster spots. Steven Kwan is locked into center field, but the corner outfield spots and bench roles are up for grabs between Chase DeLauter, George Valera, Angel Martinez, Stuart Fairchild, and a struggling Nolan Jones. Manager Stephen Vogt has emphasized the need to see more "conviction" from Jones, who is in danger of losing his spot if he can't find his swing.

Why it matters

The Guardians' outfield depth is a good problem to have, but it also means tough roster decisions are looming. With so many capable players fighting for limited spots, some talented players may end up being traded or sent down to the minors. The competition highlights the Guardians' strong farm system and the difficult choices the team faces in balancing their roster.

The details

Chase DeLauter, George Valera, Steven Kwan, CJ Kkayfus, and Angel Martinez are all in the mix for outfield roles, with the versatile Stuart Fairchild also returning from the World Baseball Classic and making a strong case. Nolan Jones, who struggled in 2025, is in danger of losing his spot if he can't show more "conviction" at the plate according to manager Stephen Vogt. The Guardians may need to consider trading Jones if they can't find a roster spot for him.

  • On Friday, Chase DeLauter made his return to the lineup after missing time with lower body soreness.
  • On Saturday, Reece Hoskins hit his first Cactus League home run and an RBI double.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A top Guardians prospect who has been producing at the plate this spring despite missing time with injuries.

Stuart Fairchild

A versatile outfielder who just returned from the World Baseball Classic, where he hit two home runs including a grand slam for Chinese Taipei.

Nolan Jones

A Guardians player who is struggling at the plate this spring after a difficult 2025 season, and is in danger of losing his roster spot.

Stephen Vogt

The Guardians manager who has emphasized the need to see more "conviction" from Nolan Jones at the plate.

Reece Hoskins

A veteran outfielder who is trying to claim a spot on the Guardians' roster after signing a free agent contract.

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What they’re saying

“(Vogt) said he needs to see conviction out of Jones. And I wasn't quite sure what he meant... he said he's caught in-between again as he was last year, late on the fastball and out front on the breaking ball. And that wants to see conviction from Nolan Jones.”

— Paul Hoynes, Guardians beat reporter (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The judge in the Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz trial has pushed the trial date back to November 2nd, raising questions about Clase's future in Major League Baseball.

The takeaway

The Guardians' outfield competition is shaping up to be one of the most intense roster battles in recent memory, with several talented players fighting for limited spots. The team faces difficult decisions, including potentially trading Nolan Jones if he can't find his swing, as they try to balance their deep pool of outfield talent.