Guardians sign right-handed hitter to minors, spring training invite

The Cleveland Guardians have quietly made another low-risk, high-upside move this offseason. They’ve signed former first-round pick Carter Kieboom to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major-league spring training.

It’s the sort of deal Cleveland likes: searching for value, depth, and potential bounce-back candidates as spring training approaches in Goodyear, Arizona.

Carter Kieboom Gets a Fresh Opportunity

Kieboom’s name still carries some weight among baseball insiders. His major-league résumé hasn’t matched his pedigree yet, but there’s still intrigue.

Once seen as a cornerstone infielder for the Washington Nationals, the right-handed hitter is now looking for a reset. He joins an organization known for player development, and maybe that’s just what he needs.

A First-Round Pedigree Looking for a Second Act

Washington drafted Kieboom 28th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Walton High School in Georgia. He climbed the minors quickly with the Nationals.

Expectations ran high, but his major-league results over parts of five seasons (2019–23) have been uneven. He owns a career .199 batting average, 12 home runs, and 42 RBIs.

Cleveland is betting that the bat hasn’t vanished — maybe it just needed time and better health.

Strong Triple-A Performance in 2025

Kieboom’s most recent Triple-A season actually offers a bit of hope. Playing for Salt Lake City in 2025, he flashed the offensive consistency that once made him a top prospect.

Late-Season Surge Turned Heads

Across 93 games, Kieboom hit .319 with nine home runs, 57 RBIs, and an .817 OPS. After missing about a month with a right groin injury, he returned on a tear.

He batted .365 with a .904 OPS over his final 29 games. That stretch included a 19-game hitting streak — pretty impressive, honestly, and evaluators noticed.

The surge earned him a September call-up with the Angels. He saw brief action at first base, showing off a bit more defensive flexibility than before.

Defensive Versatility Adds Value

One reason the Guardians took interest? Kieboom’s ability to move around the diamond. Cleveland really values that sort of thing with its roster construction.

Multiple Positions, Multiple Paths

In Triple-A last season, Kieboom logged time at several positions:

This versatility gives Kieboom a real shot at sticking around if his bat plays. The Guardians love matchup flexibility and depth.

Guardians’ Offseason Strategy Takes Shape

Cleveland’s offseason has mostly focused on strengthening the bullpen. But the front office has also been busy adding depth through minor-league contracts with big-league invitations.

Part of a Larger Group Competing in Camp

Kieboom is one of nine players added on minor-league deals this winter. Others include:

It’s classic Guardians — create competition, let performance dictate opportunity, and see who steps up.

Spring Training Dates to Watch

The audition kicks off soon. Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 10 in Goodyear.

The first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 17. Cleveland starts Cactus League play on Feb. 21 against the Reds.

Players involved in the World Baseball Classic will show up on different schedules. It’s always a little chaotic this time of year, isn’t it?

For Carter Kieboom, spring training isn’t just another camp. It’s a chance to turn a strong Triple-A finish into something bigger.

Maybe this is finally the year he delivers on the promise that made him a first-round pick nearly a decade ago. Feels like everyone’s watching to see if he can pull it off.

 
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