Peter Halpin: Everything you need to know

The Guardians recalled Halpin from Triple-A Columbus on Friday. Halpin has spent the entire season with Columbus, where he's slashed .250/.328/.375 with two homers, 14 RBI, 19 runs and nine steals through 26 games. He has experience playing in all three outfield spots, though he'll likely be limited to a depth role while with the big club.

The Guardians optioned Halpin to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports. Halpin was in contention for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but it looks like the 23-year-old will start the new season in the minor leagues. Halpin has gone 8-for-30 (.267) with two home runs, two doubles, eight runs scored and five RBI during spring training. He could factor into the Guardians' 2026 plans as the season progresses, but Cleveland has plenty of depth in the outfield at this point.

Halpin made an adjustment to his swing during the offseason, designed to shorten his movement and repeatability, Joe Noga of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Halpin, who belted a three-run home run in Thursday's spring game against Seattle, is competing for a role in the outfield with several others. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt described the swing adjustment as significant. "He's got some power," Vogt said. "But (we want him to) just be able to hit the ball all over the field and be able to repeat the move a lot more." Halpin made a brief impression during a late-season call-up in 2025, serving as a defensive replacement and a baserunning weapon during Cleveland's drive for the postseason. Now it's time to see what the 23-year-old can do with the bat.