George Valera Demoted. What’s Next for the Guardians?

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 it’s 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 can’t 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 couldn’t find the barrel or stop chasing, both skills he HAS shown in the past and may be able to find again.

In Valera’s absence, the team could promote any one of four main options:

CJ Kayfus, LHH – 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 don’t think Kayfus’s numbers would warrant a call-up, and I suspect that, due to Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann’s recent success, the team will be looking for a player who isn’t still developing (i.e. won’t have growth hampered by part-time reps).

Nolan Jones, RHH – 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. He’s still struggling with zone-contact (only at 79%), so, personally, I wouldn’t 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.