Former Guardians reliever Jakob Junis is a free agent again after the Rangers paid a $1.25M buyout rather than exercise his $5M mutual option. He posted a 3.64 ERA with a career-high six saves in Texas, fading to 5.21 in the second half.
MLB.com's All-postseason team included six Guardians: two position leaders and four honorable mentions, including Patrick Bailey (.788 OPS, two HR) and José Ramírez (1.025 OPS after an 0-for-6 ALDS start). Strong core, confirmed. 🔒
Guardians opened the offseason by declining Shawn Armstrong's mutual option and Trevor Stephan's club option, sending both right-handers to free agency. They also selected infielder Milan Tolentino's contract, putting the 40-man roster at 36. Armstrong's reunion door stays ajar. 🚪
Shawn Armstrong is headed to free agency after the Guardians declined his $8M mutual option for a $1.25M buyout. A reunion still makes sense after his 1.04 postseason ERA, including two ALCS starts as an opener against the Rays. 🔄
Guardians selected shortstop Milan Tolentino's contract from Triple-A Columbus, adding the 24-year-old to the 40-man roster. The move shields him from the Rule 5 draft. He hit 21 homers with a .225 average in 2026. Power and walks, minus the contact. 🔒
A proposed offseason wish list, not actual moves: the Guardians could target Zach Neto, CJ Abrams, Jeremy Peña, Wyatt Langford, Reid Detmers and Logan Gilbert. The pitch leans on their young core, deep farm system and low payroll after an ALCS Game 6 exit. 🎯
Guardians added Triple-A slugger Milan Tolentino to the 40-man roster before he hit minor league free agency. He hit 21 homers with a .225/.328/.453 line in 2026, and he's a utility option in a crowded infield. Power over contact. 💥
Guardians declined Trevor Stephan's 2027 team option, making him a free agent. The 2023 four-year, $10M deal yielded one solid big-league season (4.06 ERA) before Tommy John surgery and a 10.44 ERA in 25 innings this year. Quiet exit. 📉
Jim Thome drew fan backlash for wearing black in Chicago's crowd at ALDS Game 3 against the Guardians. One columnist argues it's no betrayal: Thome works in the White Sox front office, and Cleveland can still honor his legacy. 🎩
Guardians offseason pitching wish list, with a projected payroll just under $100M: Shane Bieber rates a 10/10 for realism (projected 1 year, $8M). Dustin May, Matthew Boyd, Jonathan Loáisiga and JoJo Romero follow, though a Dolan-led budget limits the ceiling. 💰
José Ramírez's Game 5 ALDS homer off Sean Burke, a pitch 0.89 feet off the ground and the lowest hit for a homer since 2008, made MLB.com's top 2026 postseason moments. It gave Cleveland a 2-0 win and ended a 2-5 home winner-take-all slump. 🔥
Guardians declined 2027 options on relievers Shawn Armstrong (4.58 ERA in an injury-hit 2026) and Trevor Stephan, and selected shortstop Milan Tolentino's contract. The glove-first 24-year-old is a depth piece. Rule-5 protection deadline: Nov. 17. ⚾
Forty-eight players suited up for the 2026 AL Central-winning Guardians, including short-stint cameos from Stuart Fairchild (19 at-bats), Kolby Allard (8 2/3 innings, cut after four rough outings) and Carlos Hernández. Depth chart, meet revolving door. 🚪
Guardians declined 2027 options on Shawn Armstrong (mutual) and Trevor Stephan (club), sending both righties to free agency. Infielder Milan Tolentino was selected from Triple-A Columbus, putting the 40-man at 36. Armstrong could still be a bullpen target. 🔄
MLB Trade Rumors (Guardians): Guardians Select Milan Tolentino
Transaction Alert: RHP Shawn Armstrong has elected free agency and is no longer with the Cleveland Guardians. 📋
Potential witnesses in the Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz federal trial reportedly include Mike Chernoff, Matt Forman, Carl Willis, and catchers Austin Hedges, Mike Zunino and Bo Naylor. Witness lists remain sealed, so who testifies is unconfirmed. ⚖️
Welbyn Francisca is raking in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .462 with a 1.301 OPS after a recent homer. Fresh off a 2026 season split across three levels, the Guardians infield prospect is pushing his way into the big league conversation. 🔥
Guardians' deadline deal sending Bo Naylor to Milwaukee may pay off for the Brewers in 2027, with Gary Sánchez headed to free agency and Naylor poised for a backup catcher role. Cleveland got Craig Yoho and Blake Perkins, with little return so far.
Guardians could pursue Angels lefty Reid Detmers this offseason, per speculation, not a reported deal. Coming off a 3.36 ERA in 185 innings, he'd bolster an already strong rotation, with two years of control left. Bats remain the bigger need. 🎯
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