Cleveland Guardians News

Josh Naylor  • 1B  •  Guardians

Josh Naylor Mentioned In Trade Talks With Mariners

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor has been mentioned in trade talks between the Guardians and Seattle Mariners this offseason, according to sources. Naylor is one of multiple names under consideration by the Mariners as they look for an offensive upgrade at first base. Free-agent first baseman Christian Walker is another name that the Mariners could consider as they look for another bat this winter. The 27-year-old Naylor was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and finished with career-highs in home runs (31), RBI (108) and runs scored (84) while stealing six bases and slashing .243/.320/.456 with a .776 OPS in a career-high 152 regular-season games. His drop in average can be attributed to him facing more left-handers over the course of a full season. Repeating his 30-homer season will be difficult, especially if he heads to T-Mobile Park with less protection in the lineup.
Yesterday   
Shane Bieber  • SP  •  Guardians

Shane Bieber Throwing From 90 Feet

According to Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (elbow) is throwing from 90 feet three times per week. Withers noted that Bieber expressed that he is confident but still has "a long way to go." Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery last April and was only able to make two starts last season. Across these 12 frames, the former Cy Young winner held a perfect 0.00 ERA with a stellar 0.92 WHIP. During the 2023 campaign, the right-hander posted a 3.80 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. While this is a great sign to see him progress in his throwing program, fantasy managers should not expect him to return to the major league mound at least a few months into the 2025 campaign. However, if he continues to progress without facing any setbacks, he could be worth targeting in deeper formats as a high-upside stash candidate.
Dec 12   
Luis L. Ortiz  • SP  •  Guardians

Guardians Acquire Luis L. Ortiz From Pirates

The Cleveland Guardians acquired pitchers Luis L. Ortiz, Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz, according to sources. Ortiz is the biggest name in the swap for the Guardians as they look to add pitching depth to their system. The 25-year-old Dominican right-hander had his best year in the big leagues in his third year with Pittsburgh in 2024, going 7-6 with a 3.32 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, a career-high 107 strikeouts and 42 walks in 135 2/3 innings over 37 appearances (15 starts). Even though the Guardians re-signed Shane Bieber already this offseason, Ortiz could be primed for a spot near the back end of Cleveland's starting rotation to open the 2025 regular season. Ortiz was slightly better as a starter in 2024 but had a strikeout rate under 20%, limiting his overall upside as a matchup-based streamer in deeper leagues.
Dec 11   
Shane Bieber  • SP  •  Guardians

Shane Bieber Returning To Cleveland On One-Year Deal

Free-agent right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) and the Cleveland Guardians agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal on Friday that includes a $16 million player option for the 2026 season, according to sources. Bieber has chosen to return on a one-year pact after undergoing Tommy John surgery back in April. He isn't expected to return until the middle of 2025, so it makes sense for him to return to the Guardians to try and boost his value once again before potentially hitting the open market again next offseason. The two-time All-Star and former American League Cy Young (2020) only made two starts in 2024 before going under the knife, but he was dominant with 20 strikeouts over 12 shutout innings. Bieber has been excellent in the past, but fantasy managers would be foolish to assume he'll suddenly regain velocity and whiffs in his return from TJ surgery in 2025. He'll be a risk/reward fantasy starter on the cheap.
Dec 7   
Josh Naylor  • 1B  •  Guardians  |  Lane Thomas  • RF  •  Guardians

Guardians Open To Trading Josh Naylor, Lane Thomas

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal writes that the Cleveland Guardians are open to trade offers for first baseman Josh Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas, both of whom are entering their walk years. Naylor is projected to earn $12 million in salary arbitration, while Thomas is at $8.3 million. Cleveland has concerns in their outfield, but they just landed Thomas in a midseason trade in 2024. Naylor, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the team's most valuable position players while also being a leader in the clubhouse. If Naylor were dealt, Kyle Manzardo would be the obvious replacement for Naylor at first base in Cleveland. The small-market organization has already lost left-hander Matthew Boyd to free agency, and right-handers Shane Bieber and Alex Cobb could be next. Naylor had a career year for the Guards in 2024, but his struggles against left-handed pitching remains an issue.
Dec 5   
Johnathan Rodriguez  • RF  •  Guardians

Johnathan Rodriguez Named Top Cleveland Hitting Prospect Of 2024

MLB Pipeline named outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez Cleveland's top hitting prospect of the 2024 campaign. Rodriguez, the No.12 ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com, spent most of his season with Triple-A Columbus before getting a brief taste of the big leagues. Through 117 games at Triple-A, the 25-year-old carried a stellar .301/.390/.540 slash line with 18 doubles, 29 home runs, 94 RBI, and eight stolen bases. This was a steady improvement from the .280 AVG and 11 home runs he hit at Triple-A during the 2023 season. In the majors, the former third-round selection posted an underwhelming .129/.325/.161 line through a small 13-game stint. Fantasy managers in deeper five-outfielder leagues should pay attention to his development during Spring Training as he could contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster.
Dec 1   
José Devers  • SS  •  Braves  |  Jose Devers  • SS  •  Guardians

Jose Devers Joins Braves On Minor-League Deal

Free-agent infielder Jose Devers agreed to a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, according to sources. Devers is the cousin of Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers. He spent the last six seasons in the Miami Marlins organization and appeared in 24 games at the big-league level, posting a weak .611 OPS. The 24-year-old Dominican only played in three games for the Fish in 2024 and hit .239/.304/.362 with three home runs, 17 RBI, three stolen bases and 28 runs scored in 54 games at Triple-A Jacksonville. Devers is mostly useful for his glove in the middle infield and he's likely to begin the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett as infield depth for the Braves. In seven minor-league seasons, Devers has slashed .261/.324/.362 with a .686 OPS and only 13 home runs.
Nov 30   
George Valera  • RF  •  Guardians

Guardians Re-Sign George Valera

The Cleveland Guardians re-signed outfielder George Valera (knee) to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training next year. Valera was non-tendered by the team last Friday but quickly has rejoined the organization. The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee in September and therefore will probably be unavailable for the start of spring training and the start of next season. In all likelihood, he will be assigned to Triple-A Columbus in 2025 when he's fully recovered from his knee surgery. Valera spent the entire 2024 season at Columbus, slashing .248/.337/.452 with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games and 374 trips to the plate. He sports a .243/.358/.452 career slash line with 80 homers and 273 RBI in his six minor-league seasons.
Nov 26   
Triston McKenzie  • SP  •  Guardians

Guardians And Triston McKenzie Avoid Arbitration

The Cleveland Guardians and pitcher Triston McKenzie avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a $1.95 million deal for one year. McKenzie was the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 Draft, but after peaking with a 2.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 19.7% K-BB% in 2022, the last two seasons have been marred by injury and underperformance, culminating with his demotion to the minors in late June. Things didn't go well there either, posting a 5.23 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and a 9.7% K-BB% over 53 1/3 IP. The Guardians need rotation help though and McKenzie is still only 27 years old, so if he can return to some semblance of his former self, then he could help Cleveland and fantasy managers. Keep an eye on how his spring goes to see if he appears to be headed in the right direction.
Nov 22   
Chase DeLauter  • OF  •  Guardians

Chase DeLauter Doubles Twice In Three-Hit Day In The AFL

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a walk, two RBI, and a run scored on Thursday in the final regular season game of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) for the Surprise Saguaros. The former first-round draft pick is slashing .350/.475/.511 with five doubles, a home run, and a strong 12:6 BB:K in 12 AFL games. The 23-year-old missed most of the 2024 regular season due to complications from a previous foot injury but hit well in his return and is getting some extra reps in the AFL with an 2025 MLB debut likely on the horizon. Fantasy managers should be keeping an eye on his spring performance as the left-handed hitter offers good power and a keen eye that should translate to the majors.
Nov 15   
Austin Hedges  • C  •  Guardians

Austin Hedges Re-Signs With Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians have re-signed veteran backup catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year contract. Hedges played 66 games for Cleveland last season, posting a .152-2-15-12-2 line in 146 PA. While the offensive statistics don't jump off the page, the 32-year-old is said to be a clubhouse leader and mentor to young starting catcher Bo Naylor. That's certainly a good thing for the Guardians, however, it doesn't move the needle for fantasy. Even if something were to happen to Naylor, as a career .186 hitter over 12 major league seasons, the former second-round draft pick would likely be best left on the waiver wire.
Nov 7   
David Fry  • C  •  Guardians

David Fry To Miss 6-8 Months After Having Elbow Surgery

Cleveland Guardians catcher/outfielder/designated hitter David Fry (elbow) is expected to miss six to eight months after undergoing surgery to fix the UCL in his right elbow. Fry is expected to initially return as a full-time DH, as it's going to take him a full year to return to playing the field. It was an injury that he suffered way back in June, but Fry played through it the rest of the way and was a first-time All-Star in 2024 in his first full MLB campaign, slashing .263/.356/.448 with an .804 OPS, 14 home runs, 51 RBI, four stolen bases and 44 runs scored in 122 games played for Cleveland. The 28-year-old right-handed hitter was mostly the Guardians' DH in the second half of the season after his injury. However, it remains to be seen if Fry will have similar success in 2025 after coming off a pretty serious procedure. It should at least have fantasy managers hesitant to invest at his elevated cost.
Nov 4   
David Fry  • C  •  Guardians

David Fry To Have His Elbow Examined

Cleveland Guardians catcher/outfielder/designated hitter David Fry (elbow) is scheduled to meet with Dr. Keith Meister next week about his right elbow. Surgery could be on the table for Fry after he injured his right elbow in late June, after which he played just one game on defense (at catcher) the rest of the regular season and playoffs. If the 28-year-old requires surgery, he could be in danger of missing the start of the 2025 campaign, depending on the exact nature of the operation. The former seventh-rounder by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 out of Northwestern State University of Louisiana was a first-time All-Star in 2024 in his second year in the majors after slashing .263/.356/.448 with 14 homers and 51 RBI in 122 regular-season games. Fry went 8-for-28 (.286) with two homers, a double, and four runs scored in 10 games in October.
Oct 23   
Tanner Bibee  • SP  •  Guardians

Tanner Bibee Hopes To Keep Season Alive On Saturday

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee hopes to keep Cleveland's season alive as they face the Yankees in a potential elimination game on Saturday evening. Bibee got the starting nod in Game 2 of the ALCS but lasted only 1 1/3 innings after allowing five hits and three runs (two earned) with only two strikeouts. During the ALDS, Bibee made two starts and logged eight 2/3 innings, only allowing two runs while striking out nine. During the regular season, the right-hander posted a solid 3.47 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP after 173 2/3 innings of work. The 25-year-old remains a solid pick in DFS formats but faces a tough Yankee lineup that has hit right-handed pitching at a strong .803 OPS this summer.
Oct 19   
Will Brennan  • RF  •  Guardians

Will Brennan Remains Sidelined For Game 5 Of ALCS

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Will Brennan remains out of the starting nine for Game 5 of the ALCS. Brennan has made only two starts this entire postseason so far, one in each series. As a result, Jhonkensy Noel will cover right field and bat in the six-hole. Brennan has carried an underwhelming .167 AVG throughout the postseason with four strikeouts. Noel has begun to heat up at the plate after going hitless during the ALDS. In the ALCS, Noel has gone 2-for-4 with a two-run shot but faces a difficult matchup on Saturday evening against Carlos Rodon, who allowed just one run in his previous outing.
Oct 19   
Kyle Manzardo  • 1B  •  Guardians

Kyle Manzardo Sitting In Game 5

Cleveland Guardians first baseman/designated hitter Kyle Manzardo is not in the starting nine for Game 5 of the ALCS. Manzardo has tallied a hit in each of the past three games in the ALCS but will take a seat as the Yankees send out southpaw Carlos Rodon in hopes of clinching the series victory. As a result, David Fry will serve as the designated hitter, and Josh Naylor will cover first base. During the postseason, the former second-round pick has carried an impressive .294/.294/.529 line with one home run and two RBI. Manzardo will likely be deployed as a pinch-hitter later in the game, but it is best to leave out of your DFS lineup as he may only get one at-bat.
Oct 19   
Bo Naylor  • C  •  Guardians

Bo Naylor Rejoins Starting Nine For Game 5

Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor is returning to the starting nine for Game 5 of the ALCS after sitting out in Game 4. Naylor will be behind the dish and bat in the seven-hole. Naylor did not tally a hit during the ALDS and has begun to work out of his slump, as he is currently gone 2-for-7 against the Yankees with one extra-base hit. During the regular season, the 24-year-old posted an underwhelming .204/.264/.305 line with 13 home runs and six stolen bases. He will face Yankee southpaw Carlos Rodon, who is coming off a strong outing where he held the Guardians to just one run across six frames while striking out nine and is best to fade in DFS.
Oct 19   
Emmanuel Clase  • RP  •  Guardians

Emmanuel Clase Has Another Rough Outing, Takes Loss Against Yankees

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase's rough 2024 postseason continued on Friday night against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. Clase was brought into a 6-6 tie game in the ninth inning and proceeded to allow two earned runs on three hits while walking one and striking out one in his inning of work to take the loss, his second in six appearances this October. An error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio didn't help matters, but Clase now has a 10.29 ERA (7.17 FIP), two losses and a blown save in his six playoff outings this year after he was the best closer in baseball during the regular season. It looks like the 26-year-old Dominican flamethrower has tired down the stretch, but the Guardians will need him to turn it around if they hope to win three straight and get back to the World Series.
Oct 19   
Tanner Bibee  • SP  •  Guardians

Tanner Bibee To Start Game 5 Against Yankees

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee will start Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday at Progressive Field against the New York Yankees as the Guardians look to keep their season alive and force a Game 6 back at Yankee Stadium. Bibee only made it through 1 1/3 innings in the Game 2 loss to the Yankees, allowing two earned runs on five hits while waking one and striking out two on Tuesday. He was much better in his two starts in the AL Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, giving up two earned runs, walking three and striking out nine in 8 2/3 frames. The 25-year-old will be going on short rest on Saturday after not even completing two full innings earlier this week. It will be a tall task against a hot Yankees offense, and limiting the long ball will be key if Bibee wants to go deeper into this start.
Oct 19   
Bo Naylor  • C  •  Guardians  |  Will Brennan  • RF  •  Guardians

Bo Naylor, Will Brennan Sitting Again In Game 4

Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor and outfielder Will Brennan will start on the bench again in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Friday at Progressive Field against the New York Yankees with right-hander Luis Gil on the mound. Cleveland will stick with Austin Hedges behind the plate, and he will bat eighth, while rookie Daniel Schneemann will make his second straight start in right field and bat sixth. Naylor picked up a hit as a pinch-hitter in the Game 3 win on Thursday but has gone 1-for-15 overall with four strikeouts in his first eight playoff games. Brennan also picked up a pinch hit on Thursday for his second knock in 11 at-bats this October. Hedges has gone 0-for-2 with a strikeout in his career against Gil, while Schneeman has a single and RBI in two at-bats this year versus Gil.
Oct 18   
LEGEND
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