Ramon Laureano On Joining Guardians Midseason
The Cleveland Guardians outfielders have been fairly underwhelming as a position group this season. They're collectively fantastic on defense but have left a lot to desire on at the plate forcing the front office to look elsewhere for help.
Ramon Laureano was designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics on August 5 and seemed like a perfect fit. He's a veteran who is a respected defender, can provide some pop when needed, and mashes left-handed pitching.
A little bit of everything Cleveland needed.
It's been almost two months since Cleveland, but Laureano feels that he's finding a groove in his new city. He said this about his time with the Guardians:
"I was pretty happy when I got out of (Oakland) ... It's a little consistent here and there but I'm getting close to my consistentcy with (Victor Rodriguez), (Chris Valaika), and (Jason Esposito). Hopefully, I can carry it."
Cleveland will have very similar unknowns with their outfield lineup heading into 2024 if they don't make a significant move this offseason. With this in mind, the Guardians would be silly not to bring him back Laureano for a full season with the team. It seems like he has the same feelings the organization does.
Aug 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Ramon Laureano (10) steals third base during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The way Laureano is talking it sounds like he's planning on returning to Cleveland next season. The Guardians would be silly to not bring him back in some sort of capacity. The 29-year-old has a batting average of .248 with Cleveland this season but has an OPS of .733, three homers, and 14 RBI.
Let's hope the consistency continues and he grows into a key piece of Cleveland's future.
