Two Cleveland Guardians Players Struggling Early, Roster Spots in Jeopardy

Gabriel Arias and CJ Kayfus may be off the roster by the end of April if their slow starts continue.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:49pm

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Through the first six games of the 2026 MLB season, the Cleveland Guardians have just three players with four or more hits. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, elite defender Steven Kwan, and veteran first baseman Rhys Hoskins have carried the offense, but two other players - Gabriel Arias and CJ Kayfus - have struggled mightily and may lose their roster spots if they don't turn things around soon.

Why it matters

The Guardians are trying to build on their success from last season, but the slow starts from Arias and Kayfus are hindering their progress. If they can't start producing at the plate and in the field, the team may need to make roster moves to bring up prospects who are performing better in the minors.

The details

Arias has just one hit in 16 at-bats to start the season, while striking out 7 times. His poor offensive production and inconsistent defense have the coaching staff losing trust in him. Kayfus, who has mostly been used as a substitute, is 0-for-10 with 6 strikeouts and has also struggled defensively in the outfield. The Guardians may option Kayfus to Triple-A Columbus to allow him to further develop, while Arias' roster spot could be in jeopardy if he doesn't turn things around soon.

  • Through the first 6 games of the 2026 MLB season
  • Heading into Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers

The players

Chase DeLauter

A rookie outfielder who has carried much of the Guardians' offensive load, hitting 4 home runs in his first 3 major league games.

Steven Kwan

An elite defensive player who has 7 hits and 2 walks to help fill the offensive gaps.

Rhys Hoskins

A veteran first baseman batting .400 through the first 4 games.

Gabriel Arias

A struggling infielder who has just 1 hit in 16 at-bats, while striking out 7 times and being inconsistent defensively.

CJ Kayfus

A struggling outfielder who is 0-for-10 with 6 strikeouts and has made multiple defensive mistakes, likely needing more time in the minors to develop.

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What’s next

If Arias and Kayfus continue to struggle, the Guardians may look to bring up prospects Juan Brito and Petey Halpin, who have been performing well in the minors, to replace them on the roster.

The takeaway

The Guardians' early-season struggles outside of their top offensive performers highlight the importance of depth and production throughout the roster. Arias and Kayfus will need to turn things around quickly to avoid losing their roster spots to younger, hungrier prospects.