
George Valera has been demoted to Columbus after struggling in Cleveland, posting a 46 wRC+ in 38 plate appearances. The Guardians are considering roster adjustments to fill his spot.
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CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 21: George Valera #7 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on during the game against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The team has announced that George Valera has been sent back to Columbus. What will they do to fill out their roster?
George Valera had a brief and inglorious time in Cleveland this April. In 38 plate appearances, he put up a 46 wRC+ and struck out in back-to-back games against the Rays in spots where the team desperately needed a hit or a walk. His 40% chase rate was the big issue in his return, as well as looking pretty bad in the field (-1 OAA in LF and -1 OAA in right field). I think itâs a wise move to let Valera settle down in Columbus. Honestly, they should probably revisit swapping Valera and Kyle Manzardo in a couple weeks and let Valera be a DH vs. RHP if Manzardo canât find a way to right the ship. Valera is still hitting the ball hard, not whiffing an exceptional amount and making good in-zone contact. He just couldnât find the barrel or stop chasing, both skills he HAS shown in the past and may be able to find again.
In Valeraâs absence, the team could promote any one of four main options:
CJ Kayfus, LHH â After putting up an 83 wRC+ in Cleveland, Kayfus was demoted earlier this month and has put up a 115 wRC+ in Columbus. He has split half his time in the field there between first base and the two corner outfield positions. I donât think Kayfusâs numbers would warrant a call-up, and I suspect that, due to Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemannâs recent success, the team will be looking for a player who isnât still developing (i.e. wonât have growth hampered by part-time reps).
Nolan Jones, RHH â Jones has a 140 wRC+ with a 26/14 K/BB% in Columbus and fits the bill of a veteran whose development is past the point of where part-time reps will hurt him. Heâs still struggling with zone-contact (only at 79%), so, personally, I wouldnât make him my first call. He would, however, replace the left-handed bat the team has removed in Valera and is capable of playing centerfield (though has spent most of his time in right field in Columbus). I think the team might prefer someone with the flexibility to play any outfield spot in this place on the roster.
George Valera was demoted due to poor performance, including a low wRC+ of 46 and a high chase rate of 40%.
The Guardians have several options for promotion, including potential candidates from their minor league system.
In his time with the Guardians, Valera had 38 plate appearances, struck out frequently, and struggled defensively with a -1 OAA in both left and right field.
After his demotion, Valera may focus on improving his hitting and plate discipline in Columbus, with a potential return to the Guardians if he performs well.

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Stuart Fairchild, RHH â Fairchild has a 161 wRC+ with an 18.8/13.5 K/BB in Columbus. He has split his time pretty evenly between all three outfield spots there and is 4 for 4 in stolen base attempts. He is whiffing more than Iâd like (12.6%), but his zone contact rate is right at average (85%). Fairchild may have a clause in his contract where he will be released by 5/1 if he is not on a major league roster. This has been rumored, but not confirmed anywhere that I can find. The timing of the Valera move would seem to indicate that Fairchild is likely to get the call, and, again, he would be a veteran fit for a part-time role. Notably, either Jones or Fairchild would require a roster move, and I suspect it would be a Codi Heuer DFA.
Kahlil Watson, LHH â Watson has a 140 wRC+ with a 28/20 K/BB in Columbus, while playing excellent defense in centerfield. His average exit velocity is an eye-popping 93 mph and he has a hard-hit rate of 50%. I am still concerned about his 78% zone contact rate and a 12.6 whiff rate isnât ideal, but he has dramatically cut his chase rate from 34% to 20%. If Watson continues this pace, he will eventually get a shot this season to play center in Cleveland, but I think we are likely to be a 4-6 weeks away from that point.
In conclusion, I think itâs likely that tomorrowâs roster move will be adding Stuart Fairchild to the active roster and the 40-man and DFAâing Codi Heuer, bringing the 40-man to 20 pitchers and 20 hitters. The active roster becomes, then:
C â Bo, Hedges, Fry
1B â Manzardo, Hoskins
2B â Bazzana
3B â Jose
SS â Rocchio
LF â Martinez
CF â Kwan
RF â DeLauter
Utility â Schneemann
OF â Fairchild
Thatâs 6 lefties, 3 switch-hitters, and 4 right-handed hitters, which is a pretty solid mix of handedness. It also gives the Guardians some much needed speed off the bench, as Fairchild has 86th percentile sprint speed in comparison with Valeraâs 25th percentile. Going from Brito to Bazzana and Valera to Fairchild drastically changes this teamâs available speed⊠and likely dramatically improves them defensively. Time will tell how the hitting changes shape up, but I like the move for Valeraâs development and for the current rosterâs ability to succeed.