Guardians Sign Outfield Free Agent To Minor League Deal, Invite To Spring Training
The Cleveland Guardians desperately need outfield help. They have plenty of options to play the position, but the team needs someone to step up and make a real impact, especially on offense.
Anyone who shows any sort of potential should get an opportunity. The Guardians added another outfielder to their organization on Friday who could be in the mix at some point in 2024.
Cleveland announced that they signed outfielder Lorenzo Cedrola to a Minor League deal with their Triple-A affiliate Columbus Clippers. He also has been given a non-roster invite to Spring Training.
Feb 26, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets right fielder Lorenzo Cedrola (97) throws the ball into the infield during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Cedrola, 26, has been playing minor league baseball since 2015 after he signed with the Boston Red Sox out of Venezuela. He spent most of the 2023 season with the Syracuse Mets, the New York Mets' Triple-A team. Cedrola played 59 games for Syracuse and finished with a .250/.373/.410 slash line including six home runs and 18 RBI.
He most recently played for La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League and hit .333 (55-165).
The offensive potential that Cedrola brings to the organization is certainly something to keep an eye on. His power and slugging may not stand out as game-changing but Cedrola's numbers do suggest that he can be a solid contact hitter.
If Cleveland does decide that they want Cedrola to contribute at the Major League level, they'll have to clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster. Perhaps that could happen if Lorenzo puts together an impressive stretch during Spring Training, which will be here before we know it.
