Cleveland Guardians News

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Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith in Line to be Cleveland's Primary Closer

With right-hander Emmanuel Clase out of the saves picture in Cleveland, Guardians right-handed reliever heads into the 2026 season as the team's likely closer. Smith took over for Clase in the middle of last season and finished out the year with a 2.93 ERA (1.95 FIP), 1.00 WHIP, a career-high 16 saves, 104 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 73 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. He had earned 76.4% of the team's save share, and he was one of just five relievers in major-league baseball to strike out 100-plus batters. The 26-year-old has proven pretty dominant in high-leverage situations in his two MLB seasons in Cleveland, striking out 207 batters and walking 36 in 149 innings pitched. Smith relied mostly on his fastball to post a 28.3 K-BB percentage, which ranked sixth among all qualified relievers. His fantasy value has skyrocketed from last year to this year, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 5 fantasy reliever.

1 hour ago

José Ramírez • 3B • Guardians

Jose Ramirez Signs Seven-Year Extension With Guardians

Cleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez signed a restructured seven-year, $175 million contract extension on Saturday that will carry him through the 2032 season, according to Hector Gomez. In April of 2022, Ramirez and the Guardians agreed to a five-year, $124 million extension. Ramirez has been one of the best all-around players in baseball, dating back to the 2017 season. The 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter can do it all, and he's hit .279/.353/.504 with an .857 OPS, 285 homers, 949 RBI, and 287 stolen bases in 13 big-league seasons. Not only does he contribute in all categories for fantasy managers, but he's been durable, playing in 150-plus games in each of the last five seasons. J-Ram has 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in three of the last five years despite playing in Cleveland. He's a top-five overall fantasy selection heading into spring drafts.

4 days ago

Steven Kwan • LF • Guardians

Blue Jays Have Had Previous Interest in Steven Kwan

Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports that the Toronto Blue Jays explored the idea of trading for current Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan at the 2025 trade deadline. Toronto is known to be searching for potential outfield upgrades, having reportedly made a sizable offer to outfielder Kyle Tucker before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Guardians have two years of team control remaining over Kwan before he hits free agency, which is typically around the time Cleveland usually considers turning players into future assets. Across 693 plate appearances for the Guardians in 2025, Kwan posted a .272/.330/.374 slash line with 11 home runs, 56 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases. He's won four consecutive Gold Glove awards in left field, so an acquiring team would likely plug him in as its everyday left fielder. If Toronto were to trade for Kwan, Blue Jays outfielders Nathan Lukes and Anthony Santander would likely lose playing time.

7 days ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Projected for Lead Role in Cleveland?

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter has flashed immense potential in the minors but has struggled to stay on the field, pushing back his MLB debut. Last summer, DeLauter actually joined the club for their postseason run and appeared in two games. Given that he is set to enter spring training with a clean bill of health, DeLauter seems positioned not only to make the MLB roster but also to claim the starting job in center field. Earlier in 2025, DeLauter held an impressive .278/.383/.476 line with eight doubles, five home runs, and a 23:22 K:BB across 34 games at Triple-A. While he has not reached the 50-game mark in each of his last two minor league seasons, when on the field, DeLauter has been very productive. Managers should monitor his status in spring training as he could become a top-sleeper pick in five-outfielder formats if he is penciled into their Opening Day lineup.

7 days ago

Travis Bazzana • 2B • Guardians

Travis Bazzana Likely to Begin Season with Triple-A?

Cleveland Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana is expected to begin the 2026 season with Triple-A Columbus. The Guardians selected the second baseman with the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oregon State. Following the draft, Bazzana was given a brief 27-game taste of High-A to conclude 2024, where he struggled, holding a modest .238 AVG with a .738 OPS. In 2025, Bazzana began the season with Double-A and was eventually able to earn a promotion to Triple-A. Across 77 games split between the top two levels in the Cleveland system, Bazzana held a .246/.383/.430 line with an .813 OPS, nine home runs, and 11 stolen bases. Unfortunately, multiple oblique injuries significantly limited his total playing time. While Bazzana figures to compete for a first-half MLB debut, fantasy managers should expect the top prospect to begin 2026 at Triple-A.

Jan 19

Shawn Armstrong • RP • Guardians

Shawn Armstrong, Guardians Agree to One-Year Deal

The Cleveland Guardians and right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong have agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a mutual option. Armstrong was one of the best relievers last season with the Texas Rangers. The 35-year-old righty pitched to a 2.31 ERA (2.96 xERA), 26.1% strikeout rate, and 0.81 WHIP while collecting 12 holds across 74 innings. For 2026, Armstrong is expected to be used in high-leverage situations and could take over the closing role if there is an injury to Cade Smith. For now, Armstrong will be most helpful in leagues that count holds as a category.

Dec 19

Colin Holderman • RP • Guardians

Colin Holderman, Guardians Agree on One-Year Deal

Free-agent right-hander Colin Holderman has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Holderman, 30, has a career 4.13 ERA with a 22.2% strikeout rate and a 1.40 WHIP across 161 1/3 innings. He endured a difficult 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a career-worst 7.01 ERA while dealing with multiple injuries. For Cleveland, Holderman is expected to serve primarily as extra bullpen depth, and for now, he carries no fantasy relevance.

Dec 12

Connor Brogdon • RP • Guardians

Guardians Agree to Major-League Deal With Connor Brogdon

The Cleveland Guardians agreed to a major-league deal with free-agent right-hander Connor Brogdon on Wednesday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Brogdon, 30, has had limited success in his six seasons in the majors, posting a 4.36 ERA with a 15.3 K-BB% across 192 innings. However, with the Los Angeles Angels last year, he pitched to a 3.86 SIERA with a 24.6% strikeout rate while averaging 95.5 miles per hour on his fastball in 47 innings. For Cleveland, Brogdon is just another arm in the bullpen, but he could help fantasy managers who play in leagues that count holds as a category.

Dec 4

Steven Kwan • LF • Guardians

Dodgers Still Interested in Trading for Steven Kwan?

The Cleveland Guardians almost traded outfielder Steven Kwan to the Los Angeles Dodgers over the summer, and the Dodgers will "come calling again," according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. After the Dodgers' failed experiment with the left-handed-hitting Michael Conforto, they will have an opening in their outfield for 2026, and Kwan could fill that spot while giving the back-to-back World Series champions another on-base machine for either the top or bottom of their stacked batting order. The Guardians' price tag for Kwan will be high, but the Dodgers have plenty of prospect capital to get something done. The 28-year-old has been an All-Star each of the last two years in Cleveland and hit .272/.330/.374 with a career-low .705 OPS, 11 homers, 56 RBI, 81 runs, and 21 steals in 156 regular-season games. Kwan lacks power, but he's plenty useful for a high-floor average, runs, and speed, and his fantasy value would receive a boost if he were to move to L.A.

Nov 11

Emmanuel Clase • RP • Guardians

Emmanuel Clase Indicted on Gambling Charges, Facing 65 Years in Prison

Cleveland Guardians right-handers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Oritz have both been indicted by prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York, on a "host of charges related to a scheme to rig bets on pitches" thrown during the 2025 season, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Ortiz was arrested on Sunday in Boston, while Clase is currently not in custody. Passan adds that both pitchers face up to 65 years in prison if they are convicted on all charges, including fraud, conspiracy, and bribery. Clase and Ortiz missed the final two months of the year while the league looked into the two hurlers getting money to intentionally throw balls on certain pitches. Clase has been one of the most dominant closers in baseball the last few seasons, so this is a big loss for the Guardians. The 27-year-old Dominican is a three-time All-Star and has had 181 saves since the start of 2021. Neither Clase nor Ortiz will pitch again in the big leagues.

Nov 10

Emmanuel Clase • RP • Guardians

Guardians Will Not Allow Emmanuel Clase to Pitch in Venezuelan Winter League

Evan Drellich of The Athletic reports that the Cleveland Guardians will not allow closer Emmanuel Clase to pitch in the Venezuelan winter league. Clase is one of the subjects of an ongoing gambling investigation by Major League Baseball. He was placed on paid leave by the Guardians in July, and there's been speculation that he may never pitch in the big leagues again once the investigation concludes. Clase appeared in 48 games during the 2025 season, pitching to a 3.23 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and 24 saves. From 2022-2024, Clase recorded 133 saves and made three consecutive All-Star teams. If Clase is not a member of the Guardians in 2026, right-hander Cade Smith could open the season as the team's closer.

Oct 23

Austin Hedges • C • Guardians

Austin Hedges Re-Signs With Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians re-signed catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year, $4 million deal on Tuesday that includes $500,000 in incentives, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Hedges is not on the fantasy radar at all as a zero with the bat in his hands, but the 33-year-old veteran is a strong defensive catcher and will return to serve as Bo Naylor's backup in 2026. Hedges will head into his third year in Cleveland after hitting .157/.229/.251 with a rough .480 OPS, seven home runs, six doubles, 25 RBI, 25 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 134 games over the past two seasons. The former second-round pick has a .185/.244/.313 career slash line, .556 OPS, and 74 long balls in 820 regular-season games across his 11 big-league seasons. Avoid him in fantasy, even in deep two-catcher formats.

Oct 15

Emmanuel Clase • RP • Guardians

Emmanuel Clase to be Banished for Life After Gambling Allegations?

According to a source, Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase will never pitch again in Major League Baseball again, with the gambling evidence found against him being irrefutable, according to Hector Gomez. The same can be said about fellow Guardians hurler Luis L. Ortiz. Clase and Ortiz were placed on "non-disciplinary paid leave" in July due to an ongoing gambling investigation. Neither pitcher played again for Cleveland the rest of the year, and a decision has also been made to keep both Clase and Ortiz from playing winter ball in their native Dominican Republic. Nothing is official yet, but this will be a big storyline to follow in the offseason. If it's true, it would be a massive blow to the Guardians' organization, as Clase has been one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball over the last few years. The three-time All-Star led baseball in saves for three consecutive years from 2022-24.

Oct 15

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Making MLB Debut in Game 2 of Wild-Card Series

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter will make his major-league debut on Wednesday in Game 2 of the wild-card series against the division-rival Detroit Tigers and right-hander Casey Mize at Progressive Field. DeLauter is starting in center field and will hit seventh in the batting order. It's a bold move by Cleveland after falling down 1-0 in the series with a loss in Game 1 of the series on Tuesday. The 23-year-old DeLauter has lots of upside, but he also hasn't played in a game since July 11 in the minors due to a right-wrist injury that required surgery. The former first-rounder only played in 42 games at Triple-A Columbus and in the Arizona Fall League this year before his injury and hit .264/.379/.473 with an .852 OPS, seven home runs, 24 RBI and 28 runs scored. The Guards are looking for a spark given their lack of productivity in center field from Angel Martinez, but DeLauter is a big dice role in the postseason in a must-win game.

Oct 1

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Shines in Postseason Start Despite Guardians' Loss

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams was one of the lone bright spots in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the 2025 Wild Card Series. Making his second career postseason start, the 26-year-old struck out eight and allowed only two unearned runs on five hits and one walk. Williams showed poise and command on the mound, keeping Cleveland within reach despite limited offensive support. While he was tagged with the loss, his performance proved he can handle the October stage.

Sep 30

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Will Make His Debut in the Wild Card Series

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter didn't make his major league debut during the regular season, but he will be on the active roster for the Wild Card series and will make his debut in the postseason. DeLauter is the team's No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, but he underwent surgery to repair a right hamate fracture back on July 23rd and has not played since. He hit .278 with five homers, 25 runs scored, 21 RBI, and a .384 wOBA in his 34 games at Triple-A before his injury. He will obviously be making a huge jump in competition, diving right into the postseason, but the lefty has a dynamic bat and has shown a high ceiling while navigating multiple injuries throughout his time in Cleveland's farm system. The Guardians could use his help in the outfield, and he could be the next surprise contributor in Cleveland's improbable postseason run. Update: DeLauter is on the active roster but not in the starting lineup for Game 1.

Sep 30

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Starting Game 1 for the Guardians

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams will get the ball for the first game of his team's Wild Card series against the Tigers. He'll go head-to-head with Tarik Skubal on Tuesday afternoon in Cleveland. The Guardians went 8-5 against Detroit this season, winning five of six head-to-head matchups in September while surging past the slumping Tigers and claiming the division crown. Williams was outstanding down the stretch for Cleveland, going 5-1 in his last seven starts with a 2.04 ERA, 3.74 FIP, and 46 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. He beat the Tigers in each of his final two regular-season starts, allowing a total of two runs on seven hits with 21 strikeouts in 11 innings against the Tigers. He'll look to continue that dominance and give his team a chance to take Game 1 if he can match Skubal on Tuesday.

Sep 30

José Ramírez • 3B • Guardians

Jose Ramirez Steals Three Bags in Win

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez was a menace on the base paths in a 9-8 win over the Texas Rangers on Sunday. Ramirez stole three bases in a game for the third time this year and also collected multiple hits, going 2-for-5 with a pair of singles. It was the last in a long line of productive regular-season games in 2025 for Ramirez, one of the driving forces behind an improbable AL Central-winning campaign for Cleveland. The 33-year-old earned his seventh All-Star nod this season and slashed .283/.360/.503 with 30 homers, 85 RBI, 103 runs scored, and a career-high 44 stolen bases in 158 games and 672 plate appearances. Ramirez and the Guardians will begin a wild-card series against a familiar foe, the Detroit Tigers, on Tuesday. The Guardians stunningly overcame a 15 1/2-game deficit to snatch the division from the Tigers.

Sep 29

Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith Picks Up Playoff-Clinching Win

Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith (8-5) earned the win in a 3-2 nail-biter over the Texas Rangers on Saturday and helped his team clinch an improbable playoff berth. Smith entered in the top of the eighth and threw 1 2/3 perfect innings with one strikeout before the Guardians won on a walk-off hit by pitch in the bottom of the ninth. The Guardians were a seemingly insurmountable 15 1/2 games back of Detroit in the AL Central on July 6, but almost four months later, they'll have a chance to take the division on Sunday with a win or a Tigers loss. Cleveland is in this position thanks in part to Smith, who took over as its closer in late July after Major League Baseball placed two-time AL Reliever of the Year Emmanuel Clase on leave for a sports betting investigation. Smith has tallied 16 saves this season, including seven in September, and logged a 2.93 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP, 103 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 73 2/3 innings.

Sep 28

Johnathan Rodríguez • RF • Guardians

Johnathan Rodriguez Recalled from Triple-A Columbus

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday to replace the injured David Fry (face). Rodriguez spent time with Cleveland earlier this season and part of last year, but owns just a .155/.255/.258 slash line with one home run and a 32.7 percent strikeout rate in 41 major league games played (110 plate appearances). The former third-round draft pick had a great year at Triple-A, slashing .312/.397/.515 with 16 home runs, and rode a 14-game hit streak from September 4-19 (.408, six home runs). If he can keep the momentum going, he could see success this time around, but he's not expected to get regular at-bats over the final week of the season.

Sep 24

Cleveland Guardians News

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