In the span of one week this spring, top outfield prospect Daniel Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus despite boasting the best OPS of any outfielder invited to camp, former starting center fielder Oscar Mercado was told he will not make the Opening Day roster, and converted shortstop Amed Rosario made three errors in his debut in center field.
Cleveland’s outfield plan for 2021, in a word:
But this is business as usual for the club at this point. Last season, Cleveland’s outfield ranked 29th in the league in wRC+ (54) and WAR (-0.9). Center field, specifically, has been a black hole.