Cleveland Guardians center field has become baseball's biggest black hole. The franchise that once featured greats like Kenny Lofton and Larry Doby now ranks dead last offensively at the position, with three of their worst center field seasons in franchise history occurring in the last five years alone. Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down why Lane Thomas, Angel Martinez, and Nolan Jones all failed in 2025, leaving the Guardians with zero answers heading into 2026. The show discusses internal prospects like Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana, who could shift from second base to the outfield. We explore trade talk Thursday -  including Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, Jacob Young from the Washington Nationals, and J.J. Bleday from the Athletics.

The guys explain why center field has become baseball's scarcest position, with only 15 players reaching average starter status in 2025. Cleveland finished 27th defensively and worst offensively at center field, creating a complete disaster on both sides of the ball.

Tune in to discuss which trade target offers the best solution for Cleveland's most glaring weakness.

0:00 Intro: Cleveland's Center Field Factory of Sadness

5:09 Center Field's Rich History vs Recent Struggles

10:08 Lane Thomas Experiment Failed, What's Next?

15:16 Is Chase DeLauter the Answer Despite Health?

20:26 Trade Talk Thursday: Luis Robert Jr. Discussion

25:29 Jo Adell's Defensive Struggles and Fool's Gold

30:54 J.J. Bleday as Buy-Low Trade Candidate

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.