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5 players that the Cleveland Guardians should start worrying about

By Chad Porto

Apr 28, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Myles Straw (7) makes a diving catch off a ball hit by Los Angeles Angels right fielder Taylor Ward (3) in the first inning of the game at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Myles Straw (7) makes a diving catch off a ball hit by Los Angeles Angels right fielder Taylor Ward (3) in the first inning of the game at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (17) can not make the catch on a pop up hit by Toronto Blue Jays center fielder George Springer (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (17) can not make the catch on a pop up hit by Toronto Blue Jays center fielder George Springer (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Austin Hedges

This one seems obvious, right? Austin Hedges is a fine defensive catcher, but he isn’t so good defensively that you can afford to keep him in the lineup much longer. He’s not a good game caller either for pitchers. Just looking at the struggles that a lot of the pitchers have had at times, especially when he’s calling the game from behind the plate, one has to wonder what he has on the likes of Terry Francona to keep getting the starting job.

Right now Hedges’ job seems safe, as Triple-A’s Gavin Collins and Double-A’s Bo Naylor are not performing well enough at the plate to make you think they’re ready to replace Hedges. After all, that’s the biggest issue with him, is his offense. There’s no reason to waste a call-up on a guy who may not provide much difference in performances.

You can go back to the trade well, but that is part of the issue, isn’t it? The team already needs to trade for another outfielder and starting pitcher. There’s not that much in the minor leagues you really want to give up at the moment. Teams like the Guards succeed due to their ability to develop and call up minor league talent.

Trading that away on rentals or minor upgrades isn’t wise.

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