We are nearing an inflection point for the Guardians and David Fry.
Since June 1st, 2024, David Fry has an 81 wRC+ with a .266 xwOBA in 544 plate appearances. He has a 28.7/8.8 K/BB% and a .158 ISO. He has also not been particularly better against LHP with an 84 wRC+ againast southpaws during that time period. Primarily, he swings and misses WAY too often in the zone with a 77% contact rate in zone (he had been running zone-contact north of 85% during his breakout in 2024). His hard-hit rate is only
in the 35% range during that time. He simply looks like a solidly below average hitter who can be put in a corner outfield spot, at first base, or as an emergency catcher or third baseman, but not offer any plus defensive value in any of those spots.
In a day of frustration the other day, I wrote that the Guardians should give Kody Huff a chance over Gabriel Arias at third base in Jose’s absence. I don’t think I was correct on this idea. Huff may or may not be able to play third base at an acceptable level, but it’s probably not worth losing Arias’s steady defensive value there while Jose is out. But, it’s in Fry’s case where I think we can see Huff coming into play. With the ability to play third if needed, first whenever wanted, and catcher any time, Huff could bring his .947 OPS against LHP in the minors to bear on major league games and give the Guardians a shot at improving on what Fry has done.
The biggest issue with moving on from Fry, of course, is that the outfield is, now, entirely left-handed. The Guardians will hate that. But, again, Fry is not doing anything against lefties. Going with Ingle, Kwan, Watson, DeLauter and Schneemann out there for a while is doable, then Angel Martinez should return in August and the team can be opportunistic in looking for a right-handed outfield bat.
The Rangers will be throwing some left-handed arms at Cleveland this weekend. It feels like a make or break moment for David Fry to do something as he is 2-35 over his last month of games. He needs to find a way to crush pitches in the zone and show there’s reason to keep him as a short-side of the platoon outfielder. He seems like a great guy and we know he has plenty of raw power… I’m rooting hard for him to turn it around.
