Hunter Renfroe Deemed A Good Free-Agency Fit For Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have made a handful of roster transactions since free agency began on November 6th.
Cleveland most recently made three moves this past Friday: signing Ramón Laureano to a one-year deal, trading Enyel De Los Santos to the San Diego Padres for Scott Barlow, and trading Cal Quantrill to the Colorado Rockies for Minor League catcher Kody Huff.
With plenty of offseason still remaining, Guardians fans have to wonder if the team will make any additional moves, particularly via the free agency market.
In a recent article, MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand describes a free-agency fit for each Major League club.
His fit for Cleveland?
Right fielder Hunter Renfroe.
Here is why Feinsand thinks that Renfroe would be a good fit for the team:
“The Guardians aren’t expected to be major players in free agency, but after getting a league-low 18 homers and .654 OPS from their outfield, adding a bat with some pop should be a priority. Not including the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Renfroe has hit at least 20 homers in each of the past six full seasons.”
The 31-year-old would certainly address the lack of power that Cleveland has had over the past two seasons.
Sep 1, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Hunter Renfroe (32) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park.
© Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
The Guardians' 124 home runs were the fewest in MLB this year, and Cleveland's 127 home runs in 2022 were the second-fewest in the league.
Renfroe has played eight Major League seasons with six different teams, hitting .239 for his career and recording at least 19 doubles and 58 RBI in each of the past six full seasons.
With Will Brennan turning in a solid first full season as the Guardians’ primary right fielder in 2023 (.266 batting average, 41 RBI, 24 doubles, 13 stolen bases, and a .991 fielding percentage), Renfroe could slot in as Cleveland’s designated hitter if signed.
