WATCH: Myles Straw Makes Highlight Catch In Guardians Spring Training Victory
Say what you want about Myles Straw. At this point, we know what he brings to the table in terms of offense, but there is still one area where he shines. That's with his elite defense in center field.
That outfield protection was in midseason form and on full display in the Cleveland Guardians victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday afternoon. Straw made this highlight catch in the bottom of the fourth inning and stole a hit from Jake Cronenworth.
The amount of ground that Straw covered and the way he was able to perfectly time up his dive with the falling ball is something not every player in the big leagues can do. This is just one example of why he's a reigning Gold Glove winner in center field.
Cleveland would go on to win their third spring training game by a final score of 7-4.
Again, Straw's offense has been lackluster over the last two seasons but it's plays such as this one that prove he deserves on a MLB roster.
Jun 22, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Myles Straw (7) dives but can not catch a ball hit by Oakland Athletics pinch hitter Tyler Wade (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Improving on the offensive end is something that Straw is taking seriously this spring. Guardians hitting coach Chris Valaika said that Cleveland's center fielder came into camp noticeably more physically built.
Sometimes that increase in muscle can affect a player's speed and agility. However, this web gem against the Padres proves that a physically stronger Myles Straw can still move around the outfield at an elite level.
