Stephen Vogt wants to see the development C.J. Kayfus and George Valera have made over the winter.
The Cleveland Guardians continue to hope their young core of players develops and can provide a boost to the lineup in 2026, after the organization has had a fairly quiet offseason on the position-player front.
Of course, Chase DeLauter is the name that immediately comes to mind as being a difference maker for the Guardians, but the duo of C.J. Kayufs and George Valera could have just as big an impact in Cleveland’s lineup next season.
Plus, the Guardians have already had a glimpse of what they’ve been able to do, and Stephen Vogt is excited about what the duo has in store for their first full season in the big leagues.
Valera made his MLB debut at the beginning of September and logged a wRC+ of 113 over the final month of the season. Kayfus had a slow start after his promotion in August, but ended the year with an OPS .888 over his final 49-at-bats.
After a strong finish, Stephen Vogt is looking forward to the duo having a “productive winter” as they come into spring training.
“I think anytime you've got young players, you know, and we've supported them every step of the way. But you want to see the work that they put in,” continued Cleveland’s skipper.
Valera and Kayfus are in line to get plenty of playing time in Goodyear, and Vogt pointed out, “Spring training is beautiful because the stats don't matter. It's go out and work. and go compete.”
Both players have had plenty of success at the minor league level, have had growing pains, and have shown they belong on the MLB roster. Now, it’s time for Valera and Kayfus to put it all together after a full offseason of work and be difference makers for the Guardians in 2026.
If this duo can be close to or above league-average hitters, it would validate the front office’s decision not to add to the lineup through free agency or trade this winter.
“For George and CJ specifically, we got a good look at what they can do the last month, two months of the season,” Vogt continued. “I'm excited to see what they're going to build upon that.”
Category: General Sports
