Cleveland Indians: 4 players on the hot seat before the trade deadline

Brandon Guyer

The end may be coming for Brandon Guyer in a Cleveland Indians uniform, but the Tribe may not be there just yet with Lonnie Chisenhall going on the disabled list.

However, with the promotion of Francisco Mejia to the majors, Guyer’s seat significantly heated up.

Mejia had been playing right field in the minor leagues and even started at the position during last week’s Triple-A All-Star Game at Huntington Park in Columbus.

There’s talk of trading the No. 1 prospect, but Cleveland looks like their willing to give the kid a shot in the outfield and at DH as the organization tinkers with its roster in preparation for October.

Guyer was a great addition in 2016 after being acquired from the Tampa Rays, but he’s produced little in 2018.

Guyer, who bats right handed, was brought into hit lefties and he’s batting .250 against southpaws this season. Against right handers, his numbers are ugly (.045, .155 OPS).

Defensively, Guyer hasn’t been great either, posting -3 Defensive Runs Saved, according to Fangraphs. The website ranked Guyer as the 21st best right fielder in baseball who has played a minimum of 230 innings.

The Indians have options, as Mejia’s a switch hitter who can help balance the lineup. Tyler Naquin, who has been very good defensively in right field, could be an option if his bat heats up. Rajai Davis can also play there, but more about him later.