Guardians Select Cooper Ingle
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Cleveland Guardians have selected the contract of catcher/outfielder Cooper Ingle and designated outfielder Stuart Fairchild for assignment to open roster spots.
- Ingle, a 24-year-old fourth-round 2024 draft pick, boasts strong offensive metrics in the minors, including a .282/.408/.461 line and a 17.3% walk rate, but his defensive skills, particularly at catcher, are considered less impressive.
- The Guardians have prioritized defensive catchers historically, signing players like Austin Hedges and Patrick Bailey, and are experimenting with Ingle in left field despite his limited experience there.
- Injuries to other outfielders have created opportunities for Ingle, who could also contribute as a designated hitter, potentially improving the team's offensive output.
- Fairchild, a defensively skilled but offensively limited outfielder, is now in DFA limbo and may elect free agency if he clears waivers, as he is out of minor league options.
