3 things the Cleveland Guardians need to work on fixing for 2023

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 15: Oscar Gonzalez #39 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with his team after hitting a two run single during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

The situation at first base

Gabriel Arias and Owner Miller are not great first basemen and probably shouldn’t be there. It turns out that just because you’re near an elite-level defense as a middle-infielder, doesn’t always mean you make for a good first baseman. Arias’ play at the position in the playoffs was fine but his bat isn’t what you want at the position. Since the team needs a power hitter, arguably two, you don’t want to crowd the first base position with good gloves that take away at-bats.

The Guardians don’t really have a first baseman at this moment in the minors which one would say is a standout option. Nor is there one in free agency that the team currently has their eyes on, that we know of.

The team needs to find a long-term option there. Whether it’s moving Oscar Gonzalez or Josh Naylor to first full-time, or bringing up Nolan Jones full-time, a move has got to be made. Even if Miller were able to reduce the errors, the team still doesn’t have a suitable bat for the position. While this may go hand in hand with the power hitter aspect, frankly the team needs two big bats to help balance out the lineup, so I feel this is a separate issue entirely.

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