The Guardians' middle infield is a hot topic as the team looks to improve its offensive performance. With a quiet offseason so far, the team is relying on internal improvements to boost its chances of returning to the postseason. The current middle infielders, including Gabriel Arias, Daniel Schneemann, Brayan Rocchio, and Angel Martinez, had a combined .225/.289/.359 slash line and a 27.6% strikeout rate, which is clearly an area for improvement. The team is also considering adding a complementary right-handed outfield bat to the lineup.
The incumbents have had their challenges. Rocchio, for instance, has a .222/.293/.327 batting average in over 900 career plate appearances. Arias, on the other hand, has a plus bat speed and raw power but struggles with an untenable approach, leading to a high strikeout rate. Schneemann, a utility player, has a .210/.290/.358 batting average in 643 career plate appearances. Martinez, who started 25 games at second base, is more frequently used in center field.
The team is also looking at prospects like Travis Bazzana, a second baseman who has decent numbers between the top two minor league levels. Bazzana is one of the most important players to watch in Spring Training. The team is also considering Juan Brito, a 24-year-old second base prospect who has held a spot on the 40-man roster for three years but has yet to make his MLB debut. Brito has hit throughout his career, posting an OPS above .800 at every stop.
The Guardians' middle infield is a work in progress, and the team is relying on internal improvements and strategic moves to boost its chances of success in the upcoming season. The team's ability to improve its offensive performance will be a key factor in determining its postseason success.
