2026 Stats
AVG
.000
HR
0
RBI
0
R
1
SB
0
Rest-of-Season Projections
2026 Fantasy Outlook
Kayfus, a third-round pick in 2023, made the jump from Double-A Akron to the big leagues in 2025. A first baseman coming up through the system, the Guardians introduced Kayfus to corner outfield in the minors and promoted him in early August to help fill a glaring need in right field, where Cleveland ranked among the lowest in wRC+ (70, 29th), WAR (-1.6, last), and batting average (.202, 29th). His assimilation to outfield improved an impotent offense - the Guards ranked 28th in runs scored in 2025. Upon his callup, the rookie faced predictable struggles - .585 OPS, 30.5 K%, 7.3 BB% for the month August - but he clapped back in September (.888 OPS, 23.6 K%, 8.9 BB%) and was instrumental in Cleveland's push for the postseason, including a walk-off, bases-loaded HBP that clinched a postseason berth. Kayfus can play both 1B and OF, but outfield is the greater need, as Kyle Manzardo is expected to be the primary at first base. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a one-year contract with the Guardians in August of 2025.
Not in Thursday's lineup
Kayfus isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners.
Analysis
Kayfus was making starts in the outfield and at first base for the Guardians toward the end of last year, but he will stay put on the bench to begin Cleveland's season opener. Steven Kwan, Daniel Schneemann and Chase DeLauter will start across the outfield Thursday, and Rhys Hoskins will get the nod at first base against Seattle righty Logan Gilbert.
Kayfus was making starts in the outfield and at first base for the Guardians toward the end of last year, but he will stay put on the bench to begin Cleveland's season opener. Steven Kwan, Daniel Schneemann and Chase DeLauter will start across the outfield Thursday, and Rhys Hoskins will get the nod at first base against Seattle righty Logan Gilbert.
Batting Stats
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2026 MLB Game Log
2026
2025
Minor League Game Log
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Batting Order Slot Breakdown
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Left/Right Batting Splits
Since 2024
+14%
OPS vs RHP
2026
-100%
OPS vs RHP
| OPS | PA | HR | RBI | AVG | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2024vs Left | .608 | 22 | 1 | 2 | .190 | ||||
| Since 2024vs Right | .692 | 127 | 3 | 17 | .209 | ||||
| 2026vs Left | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2026vs Right | .273 | 11 | 0 | 0 | .000 | ||||
| 2025vs Left | .608 | 22 | 1 | 2 | .190 | ||||
| 2025vs Right | .726 | 116 | 3 | 17 | .225 | ||||
| 2024vs Left | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2024vs Right | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| More Splits→ | View More Split Stats | ||||||||
| Minor League Splits→ | View Minor League Split Stats | ||||||||
Home/Away Batting Splits
Since 2024
+38%
OPS on Road
2026
-100%
OPS on Road
| OPS | PA | HR | RBI | AVG | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2024Home | .569 | 72 | 2 | 9 | .167 | ||||
| Since 2024Away | .788 | 77 | 2 | 10 | .246 | ||||
| 2026Home | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2026Away | .273 | 11 | 0 | 0 | .000 | ||||
| 2025Home | .569 | 72 | 2 | 9 | .167 | ||||
| 2025Away | .863 | 66 | 2 | 10 | .281 | ||||
| 2024Home | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2024Away | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| More Splits→ | View More Split Stats | ||||||||
Stat Review
How does CJ Kayfus compare to other hitters?
This section compares his stats with all batting seasons from the previous three seasons (minimum 400 plate appearances)*. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that stat and it would be considered average.
* Exit Velocity and Barrels/PA % are benchmarked against 2019 data (min 400 PA) and Hard Hit Rate is benchmarked against last season's data (min 400 PA). See here for more exit velocity/barrels stats plus an explanation of current limitations with that data set.
* Exit Velocity and Barrels/PA % are benchmarked against 2019 data (min 400 PA) and Hard Hit Rate is benchmarked against last season's data (min 400 PA). See here for more exit velocity/barrels stats plus an explanation of current limitations with that data set.
BB/K
0.29BB Rate
8.0%K Rate
27.5%BABIP
.280ISO
.195AVG
.220OBP
.292SLG
.415OPS
.707wOBA
.310Exit Velocity
88.7 mphHard Hit Rate
33.3%Barrels/PA
5.8%Expected BA
.246Expected SLG
.422Sprint Speed
24.6 ft/secGround Ball %
37.2%Line Drive %
25.6%Fly Ball %
37.2%Prospect Rankings History
Advanced Batting Stats
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Additional Stats
Games By Position
Defensive Stats
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Batted Ball Stats
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Stats Vs Upcoming Pitchers
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More Fantasy News
Left off projected roster
Kayfus was not included in the latest 26-man roster projection for the Guardians compiled by Zack Meisel of The Athletic.
Analysis
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Role becomes less clear
Kayfus' path to a roster spot is impacted by Cleveland's signing of first baseman Rhys Hoskins, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
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Sitting for regular-season finale
Kayfus is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis
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HBP clinches postseason berth
Kayfus entered Saturday's game as a pinch hitter, stayed in to play first base and was hit by a pitch in a 3-2 win over Texas. He went 0-for-1 with an RBI.
Analysis
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Doubles twice in loss
Kayfus went 2-for-2 with two doubles and an RBI in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Tigers.
Analysis
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