The Guardians have a bottom of the order problem. What can they do to fix it?
In 2024, Cleveland ranked 19th in MLB in offensive production from their 7-9 hitters at a 79 wRC+. Only the Braves (22nd) and Tigers (25th) had worse numbers, and neither is exactly considered a playoff juggernaut entering the tournament. So, what can the Guardians’ likely 7-9 hitters do to mitigate the issues that have reared their ugly heads for them during this past season? I’ve got some fatherly coaching advice for the four players most likely to hit there.
Advice for Bo Naylor - Take More Fastballs in the Outer-Upper Quadrant of the Zone
In 2023, 11% of the pitches Bo Naylor saw as a rookie were fastballs up and outside, either in or out of the strike zone.