3.) George Valera

George Valera will be a very interesting case for the Guardians this upcoming season. I see Valera possibly being similar to Nolan Jones’ situation in 2022, but a better result for Valera.

The Guardians outfield will more than likely be all but concrete with Steven Kwan, Myles Straw, and Oscar Gonzalez for the 2023 season, at least to start.

Oddly enough, I can see either Myles Straw or Oscar Gonzalez moving to the bench at some point in 2023, for the debut of George Valera.

Straw struggled in the 2022 season and hopefully didn’t show a brief look into the future because that is something Guardians fans wouldn’t want to see again. As for Oscar Gonzalez on the other hand, even with his success in the 2022 postseason, I would still consider raw and unproven.

Gonzalez would be my preference to remain a starter for the Guardians in the outfield but remain cautiously optimistic on the future of the young outfielder. Gonzalez carries more power than expected and I believe he didn’t hit his peak in 2022. Gonzalez also reportedly changed his swing in the minors to improve his launch angle and saw an improvement in the home run department of statistics.

Straw would be the guy to move to the bench and only come in on occasion, but will he be okay with that move? Especially if it meant that a young prospect, like Valera, would be taking his spot?

Valera underwent hand surgery during the off season and isn’t expected to return until late April of this upcoming 2023 season. Rotowire believes that Valera can make his debut in 2023 barring any setbacks due to his hand.

Valera is only 22 years old but has played in four minor league seasons total. Valera has played in 276 games, .248 batting average, 240 hits, 38 doubles, 52 homers, 185 RBIs, 174 walks drawn, and 297 strikeouts.

If all goes well in Cleveland I believe you can see a Guardians outfield including ; George Valera, Steven Kwan, and Oscar Gonzalez.

*photo courtesy of Covering the Corner*

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By : Payton Vince

@PaytonVince

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