Grading the Cleveland Guardians Opening Day roster by position

Outfield

"Outfield (5): Myles Straw, Josh Naylor, Bradley Zimmer, Oscar Mercado, Amed Rosario, Steven Kwan"

Overview:

The outfield is, on paper, deceptively good, but a few things need to break in order for that to be an actuality and not just an exercise. Myles Straw may have an All-Star caliber season and if Josh Naylor can rebound, that’s a nice two-some. Amed Rosario played very well at shortstop last year, but he started out in the outfield, where he struggled. Getting moved fixed his confidence nad his bat came alive last year. I have concerns about his confidence once again dipping playing in the outfield too much.

Oscar Mercado is fine, but he’s not going to win an everyday spot, and the fact Bradley Zimmer is once again getting the nod is baffling. The reason why you shouldn’t write this bunch off is Steven Kwan. Kwan just hits. Every level, every type of talent, Kwan hits. He won’t hit 40 home runs, but if he finishes the year under .290, I’ll be genuinely surprised. He’s one of those guys that just produces and I have no reason not to think he won’t do that with the Guardians.

Grade: B-

Naylor’s recovery and Kwan’s improvement are going to be keys for this club. If Naylor doesn’t bounce back and Kwan fails to improve his game as he gets the callup, this will be a very bad part of the team.