Three Guardians To Keep An Eye On As Spring Training Games Continue
Spring Training Games are officially underway and fans are finally starting to get their first look at the 2023 Cleveland Guardians team. Just like every year in Spring Training, certain players will stand out or deserve to be watched closer than others.
These players are some that fans should watch extra closely this spring:
Honorable Mention - Bo Naylor
I'll be tuning in to every at-bat inning and inning Bo Naylor plays in this Spring. However, Naylor's participation in camp may be sporadic as he's representing Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic
Because of this, he isn't officially on the list but he is definitely still an intriguing player.
Gabriel Arias
Gabriel Arias may be one of the most fascinating players on the entire Guardians Spring Training roster. He clearly has a ton of potential both offensively and defensively but finding a spot in the field for Arias, as much as he deserves it, won't be easy.
One reason fans should want to keep an eye on him is that Terry Francona is expected to see what he can do in the outfield in order to turn him into the ultimate utility man.
Arias has also looked fantastic through his first two games. He's a total of 4-for-6 with an RBI as well. If he keeps playing like this through the Spring then he'll be forced to have a spot in the field.
Will Brennan
Will Brennan may not be in the everyday lineup come Opening Day, but he could definitely see his fair share of playing time at the Big League level in 2023. He was brought up and part of the Guardians playoff roster in 2022 but got limited playing time.
When the Guardians decided to trade Will Benson to the Reds, they also made the decision to make Brennan their go-to outfielder off the bench. That's a role that will require him to be dependable both in the box and in the field.
Brennan has been off to a solid start this Spring as he's gone 2-for-4 through the first two games and showed off his arm strength in right field as well.
Oct 5, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Will Brennan (63) runs the bases in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Zunino
I personally think that the reps Mike Zunino will get will be some of the most vital by any player during Spring Training. The first reason is that we all know he missed plenty of time in 2022 with an injury, but the catcher is the most important defender on the field.
A lot of times catchers have the luxury of coming up through the system with pitchers so they already have that chemistry built up.
Zunino on the other hand was signed as a free agent and calling pitches for the first for Cal Quantrill, Shane Bieber, and company for the first time. I'm not suggesting he can't build that relationship with them but it could take time.
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