Re: Articles
10982Braves Return Rule 5 Pick Christian Cairo To Guardians
By Darragh McDonald | March 19, 2025 at 5:30pm CDT
The Braves announced that they have returned Rule 5 pick Christian Cairo to the Guardians. Atlanta’s 40-man roster count drops to 37 but Cairo does not need to take up a roster spot with Cleveland. Atlanta also officially announced that their other Rule 5 pick, Anderson Pilar, was returned to the Marlins. The Pilar news was reported earlier today.
Cairo, 24 in June, was a fourth-round pick of Cleveland’s in 2019. His profile has been fairly consistent. He’s never hit a lot of home runs but has always drawn plenty of walks. In 1,390 minor league plate appearances, he has just 15 homers but has earned free passes at a 15.6% clip. He also stole 72 bases in 89 tries while playing all four infield positions and some left field.
Perhaps Atlanta felt Cairo was ready to jump to the big leagues and serve as a utility guy, so they grabbed him in the Rule 5. Unfortunately, he didn’t do much to impress in camp, producing a tepid .179/.294/.250 batting line.
Per the parameters of the Rule 5 draft, selected players cannot be optioned to the minors. In order to keep him, Atlanta would have had to carry Cairo on the active roster. They clearly weren’t willing to do so and let him go. Rule 5 players have to be put on waivers if they are not kept. Other clubs could claim them but would be bound by the same roster rules. Now that Cairo has been returned to the Guardians, he can provide them with some non-roster depth and try to earn his way to the big leagues the traditional way.
By Darragh McDonald | March 19, 2025 at 5:30pm CDT
The Braves announced that they have returned Rule 5 pick Christian Cairo to the Guardians. Atlanta’s 40-man roster count drops to 37 but Cairo does not need to take up a roster spot with Cleveland. Atlanta also officially announced that their other Rule 5 pick, Anderson Pilar, was returned to the Marlins. The Pilar news was reported earlier today.
Cairo, 24 in June, was a fourth-round pick of Cleveland’s in 2019. His profile has been fairly consistent. He’s never hit a lot of home runs but has always drawn plenty of walks. In 1,390 minor league plate appearances, he has just 15 homers but has earned free passes at a 15.6% clip. He also stole 72 bases in 89 tries while playing all four infield positions and some left field.
Perhaps Atlanta felt Cairo was ready to jump to the big leagues and serve as a utility guy, so they grabbed him in the Rule 5. Unfortunately, he didn’t do much to impress in camp, producing a tepid .179/.294/.250 batting line.
Per the parameters of the Rule 5 draft, selected players cannot be optioned to the minors. In order to keep him, Atlanta would have had to carry Cairo on the active roster. They clearly weren’t willing to do so and let him go. Rule 5 players have to be put on waivers if they are not kept. Other clubs could claim them but would be bound by the same roster rules. Now that Cairo has been returned to the Guardians, he can provide them with some non-roster depth and try to earn his way to the big leagues the traditional way.
Re: Articles
10983Didn't seem very likely Cairo would stick with the Braves. Gives the Clippers some more infield depth along with all the guys who've just been returned by the Guardians: Tolentino, Frias, Valdes, and soon Brito. Some of them may return to Akron instead. Watson will join Martinez as IF-OF utility types. Johnnathan Rodriguez and Micah Prias in the OF.
If by any chance Valera or DeLauter gets healthy for awhile he'll join the OF, too
Last report on Valera said he'd be ready for defensive drills "in March" No one recovers slowly than him so no surprise that there's been no further update
If by any chance Valera or DeLauter gets healthy for awhile he'll join the OF, too
Last report on Valera said he'd be ready for defensive drills "in March" No one recovers slowly than him so no surprise that there's been no further update
Re: Articles
10984Probably of minor value, so skip it if you prefer; BA lists top 25 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Prospects and Joey Cantillo is in the middle
11. Joey Cantillo, LHP, Guardians (ADP: 455)
Cantillo may not start in the Guardian rotation and will be even more hard-pressed to crack it when Shane Bieber returns from his Tommy John surgery later in the year. That’s the bad news. The good news is that with Ben Lively, Luis L. Ortiz and Triston McKenzie all showing some flaws over the years, fantasy managers should be able to count on around 100 innings from Cantillo. Projections have him with solid strikeouts and a worse-than-average WHIP but a better-than-average ERA. For a 30th-round pick in 15-team roto leagues, he’s likely to return a small profit.
[Bad news, that is, is good news for Cantillo's prospects of getting work in the majors]
11. Joey Cantillo, LHP, Guardians (ADP: 455)
Cantillo may not start in the Guardian rotation and will be even more hard-pressed to crack it when Shane Bieber returns from his Tommy John surgery later in the year. That’s the bad news. The good news is that with Ben Lively, Luis L. Ortiz and Triston McKenzie all showing some flaws over the years, fantasy managers should be able to count on around 100 innings from Cantillo. Projections have him with solid strikeouts and a worse-than-average WHIP but a better-than-average ERA. For a 30th-round pick in 15-team roto leagues, he’s likely to return a small profit.
[Bad news, that is, is good news for Cantillo's prospects of getting work in the majors]
Re: Articles
10985Scouting Jac Caglianone, Travis Bazzana and more Royals and Guardians prospects
Quad Cities River Bandits Jac Caglianone (28) at bat in front of catcher Ramon Rodríguez (9) and umpire Shea Graham during an MiLB Midwest League game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on August 11, 2024 at Modern Woodman Park in Davenport, Iowa. (Travis Berg/Four Seam Images via AP)
By Keith Law
17
March 21, 2025 4:00 am MST
A few notes from my final day in Arizona before I headed home …
I went to the Double-A and Triple-A games between the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals on the back fields in Surprise on Wednesday, with the higher-level game featuring two of the top six picks from the 2024 MLB Draft.
Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ first baseman and the No. 6 pick, hit a towering homer to dead center off a pitch from a right-hander that was coming in towards his hands. Caglianone pulled his hands in and absolutely unloaded on the ball, with unbelievable power; most hitters would either swing around and hook the ball, or keep their hands inside but only be able to push it the other way. Caglianone took good at-bats the whole game, including an eight-pitch walk where he spoiled a couple of pitches and then took a pitch fairly close to the zone for ball four — a good sign, even if it’s just one plate appearance, because his tendency to chase stuff out of the zone was by far his biggest flaw as a hitter in college.
I saw 10 plate appearances from Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana, No. 1 pick last July, between the Spring Breakout Game and this Triple-A game, and he went 0-for-8 with two walks and four strikeouts. It was … not the ideal look, to say the least. He’s opening his front hip early, but he did some of that in college too — it’s just more pronounced right now, for whatever reason. I’m not trying to be some Prophet of Doom here, just to be clear. I think this is something to monitor, because if he keeps doing that pitchers will see and exploit it.
The Royals had a couple of guys from their top-10 prospect list starting the two games, one who was very good and one less so.
Right-hander Steven Zobac was dynamite in the Double-A game, working 94-96 mph with a hard changeup at 85-88 that had plus fading action and an above-average slider at 84-88, along with one cutter (that I saw, at least) at 91. He threw strikes, he attacked with the fastball, he used the changeup really well to hitters on both sides, and he can miss some right-handers’ bats with the slider. It’s better velocity than he showed last year, at least on the fastball. Even though Zobac only has 10 starts above A-ball under his belt, I really don’t see why this wouldn’t work in the big leagues if during the first month or two of the season the Royals need to call up a starter.
Lefty Noah Cameron started the Triple-A game and his stuff was meh, unfortunately, even though he can really pitch. He was 90-92 mph without much life on the fastball along any axis, with a full assortment of fringy pitches led by a 76-78 mph changeup that would be much better if he kept it down consistently. Cameron’s got some deception to his delivery and clearly has a plan, so I’m not writing him off, but he needs more of something — more velocity on the heater, or some run or cut to it, or more spin to either of the breaking balls, both of which look pretty but aren’t especially tight, so hitters are going to pick them up. He’s been effective everywhere he’s pitched, up through Triple A, so maybe I’m being alarmist, but I worry he’s going to get very homer-prone in the majors with this arsenal.
Guardians shortstop Milan Tolentino also homered in the Triple-A game — it wasn’t as impressive as Jac’s, sorry — and he looks like he’s added some good weight since I last saw him in the Arizona Fall League. He’s always been more of a tweener for me, as he can definitely play shortstop but isn’t the kind of defender who could support what would likely be a sub-.300 OBP without power in the majors; he hit .241/.313/.370 in Double A last year at age 22 and .202/.352/.274 in the AFL. More strength and power won’t help him cut down on his swing-and-miss issues, but it could mean better results on contact, and that would at least give him a shot to be a utility infielder because he can play all over.
By Keith Law
17
March 21, 2025 4:00 am MST
A few notes from my final day in Arizona before I headed home …
I went to the Double-A and Triple-A games between the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals on the back fields in Surprise on Wednesday, with the higher-level game featuring two of the top six picks from the 2024 MLB Draft.
Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ first baseman and the No. 6 pick, hit a towering homer to dead center off a pitch from a right-hander that was coming in towards his hands. Caglianone pulled his hands in and absolutely unloaded on the ball, with unbelievable power; most hitters would either swing around and hook the ball, or keep their hands inside but only be able to push it the other way. Caglianone took good at-bats the whole game, including an eight-pitch walk where he spoiled a couple of pitches and then took a pitch fairly close to the zone for ball four — a good sign, even if it’s just one plate appearance, because his tendency to chase stuff out of the zone was by far his biggest flaw as a hitter in college.
I saw 10 plate appearances from Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana, No. 1 pick last July, between the Spring Breakout Game and this Triple-A game, and he went 0-for-8 with two walks and four strikeouts. It was … not the ideal look, to say the least. He’s opening his front hip early, but he did some of that in college too — it’s just more pronounced right now, for whatever reason. I’m not trying to be some Prophet of Doom here, just to be clear. I think this is something to monitor, because if he keeps doing that pitchers will see and exploit it.
The Royals had a couple of guys from their top-10 prospect list starting the two games, one who was very good and one less so.
Right-hander Steven Zobac was dynamite in the Double-A game, working 94-96 mph with a hard changeup at 85-88 that had plus fading action and an above-average slider at 84-88, along with one cutter (that I saw, at least) at 91. He threw strikes, he attacked with the fastball, he used the changeup really well to hitters on both sides, and he can miss some right-handers’ bats with the slider. It’s better velocity than he showed last year, at least on the fastball. Even though Zobac only has 10 starts above A-ball under his belt, I really don’t see why this wouldn’t work in the big leagues if during the first month or two of the season the Royals need to call up a starter.
Lefty Noah Cameron started the Triple-A game and his stuff was meh, unfortunately, even though he can really pitch. He was 90-92 mph without much life on the fastball along any axis, with a full assortment of fringy pitches led by a 76-78 mph changeup that would be much better if he kept it down consistently. Cameron’s got some deception to his delivery and clearly has a plan, so I’m not writing him off, but he needs more of something — more velocity on the heater, or some run or cut to it, or more spin to either of the breaking balls, both of which look pretty but aren’t especially tight, so hitters are going to pick them up. He’s been effective everywhere he’s pitched, up through Triple A, so maybe I’m being alarmist, but I worry he’s going to get very homer-prone in the majors with this arsenal.
Guardians shortstop Milan Tolentino also homered in the Triple-A game — it wasn’t as impressive as Jac’s, sorry — and he looks like he’s added some good weight since I last saw him in the Arizona Fall League. He’s always been more of a tweener for me, as he can definitely play shortstop but isn’t the kind of defender who could support what would likely be a sub-.300 OBP without power in the majors; he hit .241/.313/.370 in Double A last year at age 22 and .202/.352/.274 in the AFL. More strength and power won’t help him cut down on his swing-and-miss issues, but it could mean better results on contact, and that would at least give him a shot to be a utility infielder because he can play all over.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Articles
10986Guardians suffer 5-4 spring training loss to Giants as Ben Lively grinds through six strong innings
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ben Lively is healthy and ready to go at the end of spring training, which is more than he could say at this point last year.
Lively, making his final Cactus League start, allowed a pair of runs on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks in six innings as the Guardians lost a back-and-forth affair to San Francisco, 5-4, on Friday at Scottsdale Stadium.
Gabriel Arias launched his third spring home run, a two-run shot to right field off Giants submarine-style reliever Tyler Rogers in the eighth that put Cleveland in front by a pair.
But Joey Cantillo, competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation, fumbled away the lead. He allowed a three-run home run to Brett Wisely in the bottom of the eighth that flipped the score in favor of the Giants.
All-Star closer Camilo Doval struck out the side in the ninth for San Francisco with the go-ahead runs on base to pick up the save.
After allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings against Milwaukee in his previous outing, Lively appears ready to break camp with a spot in Cleveland’s rotation. Last year, Lively was delayed coming out of training camp after missing time with an illness. He did not join the Guardians until early April in Boston before going on to rescue manager Stephen Vogt’s rotation with 13 wins in 29 starts.
But the 33-year-old is healthy this time around, having made five spring starts and posting a 3.38 ERA in 18 2/3 innings.
Lively surrendered back-to-back doubles to LaMonte Wade and Willy Adames, falling behind in the first inning. But after hitting Heliot Ramos with a pitch, he got Matt Chapman to ground into a double play and retired Mike Yastrzemski on a line drive to Gabriel Arias at third.
The right-hander settled in after that, working around a pair of walks in the third and stranding a runner in scoring position in the fourth before retiring the Giants in order in the fifth.
Chapman’s solo home run in the sixth put the Giants in front, 2-1. It was the fifth spring home run for Chapman, tied for second-most in the Cactus League.
The Guardians announced several roster moves prior to Friday’s contest, including word that left-hander Kolby Allard and righty Vince Velasquez were informed that they would not make the opening day roster, but would remain with the club through exhibition games on Monday and Tuesday in Phoenix.
That leaves lefties Cantillo and Logan Allen to ostensibly battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, while Triston McKenzie, who is out of options, contends for a spot in the bullpen.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ben Lively is healthy and ready to go at the end of spring training, which is more than he could say at this point last year.
Lively, making his final Cactus League start, allowed a pair of runs on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks in six innings as the Guardians lost a back-and-forth affair to San Francisco, 5-4, on Friday at Scottsdale Stadium.
Gabriel Arias launched his third spring home run, a two-run shot to right field off Giants submarine-style reliever Tyler Rogers in the eighth that put Cleveland in front by a pair.
But Joey Cantillo, competing for a spot in the Guardians' starting rotation, fumbled away the lead. He allowed a three-run home run to Brett Wisely in the bottom of the eighth that flipped the score in favor of the Giants.
All-Star closer Camilo Doval struck out the side in the ninth for San Francisco with the go-ahead runs on base to pick up the save.
After allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings against Milwaukee in his previous outing, Lively appears ready to break camp with a spot in Cleveland’s rotation. Last year, Lively was delayed coming out of training camp after missing time with an illness. He did not join the Guardians until early April in Boston before going on to rescue manager Stephen Vogt’s rotation with 13 wins in 29 starts.
But the 33-year-old is healthy this time around, having made five spring starts and posting a 3.38 ERA in 18 2/3 innings.
Lively surrendered back-to-back doubles to LaMonte Wade and Willy Adames, falling behind in the first inning. But after hitting Heliot Ramos with a pitch, he got Matt Chapman to ground into a double play and retired Mike Yastrzemski on a line drive to Gabriel Arias at third.
The right-hander settled in after that, working around a pair of walks in the third and stranding a runner in scoring position in the fourth before retiring the Giants in order in the fifth.
Chapman’s solo home run in the sixth put the Giants in front, 2-1. It was the fifth spring home run for Chapman, tied for second-most in the Cactus League.
The Guardians announced several roster moves prior to Friday’s contest, including word that left-hander Kolby Allard and righty Vince Velasquez were informed that they would not make the opening day roster, but would remain with the club through exhibition games on Monday and Tuesday in Phoenix.
That leaves lefties Cantillo and Logan Allen to ostensibly battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, while Triston McKenzie, who is out of options, contends for a spot in the bullpen.
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10987Guardians reduce roster by 10 players; Juan Brito loses second base battle
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Manager Stephen Vogt’s 26-man opening day roster is coming into focus after the Guardians made their biggest roster cut of spring training on Friday. With five spring games left before the start of the regular season Thursday in Kansas City, Vogt announced that 10 players had been dropped from the spring training roster in Goodyear, Arizona.
Here’s how the moves broke down:
Right-handers Luis Frias, Bradley Hanner and Zak Kent were re-assigned to minor league camp.
Infielders Juan Brito, Angel Martinez and outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez were optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
L Left-handers Kolby Allard and Phil Mushinski, right-hander Vince Velasquez and catcher Dom Nunez were told they will not make the opening day roster. They were in camp on minor league deals.
Allard, Mushinski, Velasquez and Nunez will stay in camp through the end of the exhibition season. Velasquez and Allard have “upwardly mobile” clauses in their contracts. It means they can entertain offers from other clubs, and if those clubs have an opening on the 40-man roster, and the Guardians don’t add them to their 40-man roster, they can move to the other team.
Their deadline for making that decision is Saturday.
The move with Brito opens the door for Gabriel Arias to win the second base job. Vogt said nothing has been determined yet, while mentioning that Tyler Freeman and Daniel Schneemann will continue to get time at second base in what remains of the Cactus League season.
There are 34 players still in camp.
The Guardians opened camp looking for a second baseman following the trade of Gold Glove winner Andres Gimenez to Toronto in December. Brito, Arias, Martinez, Freeman and Schneemann were among the candidates.
Brito, coming off a big season at Columbus, hit .189 (7 for 37), but four of his seven hits went for home runs. Arias, who is out of options, is hitting .256 (10 for 39) with two homers and three RBI.
Arias and Brito have received most of the playing time at second this spring with Freeman and Schneemann playing several different positions
“I thought Juan had a great camp,” said Vogt. “I think these are the decisions that come down to the very end, and they’re really tough to do and it’s like we told Juan he needs to continue to just go play, be yourself, play free.”
While Brito’s demotion wasn’t a surprise, Allard not making the pitching staff was. The veteran lefty posted a 1.35 ERA over six relief appearances. He struck out 10 and allowed two earned runs in 13 1/3 innings. Kolby threw the ball exceptionally well,” said Vogt. “He had a great camp. We view him as someone who can start as well as impact of bullpen.”
The question is can the Guardians keep him?
The fact that Allard didn’t make the club could mean the Guardians will move one of their starters into the bullpen. Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, Cade Smith, Jakob Junis and Paul Sewald own six of the eight spots. Andrew Walters, bothered by a sore right shoulder early in camp, seems to be back on track to win the seventh spot.
The last spot in the pen could go to starters Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen or Joey Cantillo. Vogt said McKenzie and Cantillo will pitch out of the bullpen on Friday in a Cactus League game against the Giants in Scottsdale. McKenzie, who has not pitched well this spring, is out of minor league options.
“We’re trying to look at all aspects of our roster, who can impact where, so they’ll both make an outing out of the bullpen,” said Vogt.
McKenzie made only four starts because of injuries in 2023.
Last year he struggled with his command and made only 16 starts with Cleveland before being optioned to Triple-A. When asked if he felt McKenzie could pitch out of the bullpen, Vogt said, “I think Triston has the ability to get outs, whether it be in the rotation or in the bullpen. We just want to make sure that we give all of our guys reps in both areas ... We have not made that decision yet of what’s going to happen.”
Allen (1-0, 2.92) has made six appearances this spring, including three starts. He has 19 strikeouts in 19 innings, while allowing four earned runs.
Cantillo (1-2, 6.17) has made five appearances, including four starts. He’s struck out 17, walked eight and allowed 13 hits in 11 2/3 innings.
McKenzie (0-1, 8.18) has made four appearances, including three starts. He’s struck out eight, walked five and allowed 15 hits in 11 innings.
“We talked early in camp and I challenged the guys,” said Vogt. “I said we have competition. And the beauty of competition is you pull the guy to your left and right up with you. You challenge them and then you have to challenge yourself.
“We don’t know where everybody’s going to end up. They’re putting a lot of pressure on us. It’s been a lot of fun.”
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Manager Stephen Vogt’s 26-man opening day roster is coming into focus after the Guardians made their biggest roster cut of spring training on Friday. With five spring games left before the start of the regular season Thursday in Kansas City, Vogt announced that 10 players had been dropped from the spring training roster in Goodyear, Arizona.
Here’s how the moves broke down:
Right-handers Luis Frias, Bradley Hanner and Zak Kent were re-assigned to minor league camp.
Infielders Juan Brito, Angel Martinez and outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez were optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
L Left-handers Kolby Allard and Phil Mushinski, right-hander Vince Velasquez and catcher Dom Nunez were told they will not make the opening day roster. They were in camp on minor league deals.
Allard, Mushinski, Velasquez and Nunez will stay in camp through the end of the exhibition season. Velasquez and Allard have “upwardly mobile” clauses in their contracts. It means they can entertain offers from other clubs, and if those clubs have an opening on the 40-man roster, and the Guardians don’t add them to their 40-man roster, they can move to the other team.
Their deadline for making that decision is Saturday.
The move with Brito opens the door for Gabriel Arias to win the second base job. Vogt said nothing has been determined yet, while mentioning that Tyler Freeman and Daniel Schneemann will continue to get time at second base in what remains of the Cactus League season.
There are 34 players still in camp.
The Guardians opened camp looking for a second baseman following the trade of Gold Glove winner Andres Gimenez to Toronto in December. Brito, Arias, Martinez, Freeman and Schneemann were among the candidates.
Brito, coming off a big season at Columbus, hit .189 (7 for 37), but four of his seven hits went for home runs. Arias, who is out of options, is hitting .256 (10 for 39) with two homers and three RBI.
Arias and Brito have received most of the playing time at second this spring with Freeman and Schneemann playing several different positions
“I thought Juan had a great camp,” said Vogt. “I think these are the decisions that come down to the very end, and they’re really tough to do and it’s like we told Juan he needs to continue to just go play, be yourself, play free.”
While Brito’s demotion wasn’t a surprise, Allard not making the pitching staff was. The veteran lefty posted a 1.35 ERA over six relief appearances. He struck out 10 and allowed two earned runs in 13 1/3 innings. Kolby threw the ball exceptionally well,” said Vogt. “He had a great camp. We view him as someone who can start as well as impact of bullpen.”
The question is can the Guardians keep him?
The fact that Allard didn’t make the club could mean the Guardians will move one of their starters into the bullpen. Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, Cade Smith, Jakob Junis and Paul Sewald own six of the eight spots. Andrew Walters, bothered by a sore right shoulder early in camp, seems to be back on track to win the seventh spot.
The last spot in the pen could go to starters Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen or Joey Cantillo. Vogt said McKenzie and Cantillo will pitch out of the bullpen on Friday in a Cactus League game against the Giants in Scottsdale. McKenzie, who has not pitched well this spring, is out of minor league options.
“We’re trying to look at all aspects of our roster, who can impact where, so they’ll both make an outing out of the bullpen,” said Vogt.
McKenzie made only four starts because of injuries in 2023.
Last year he struggled with his command and made only 16 starts with Cleveland before being optioned to Triple-A. When asked if he felt McKenzie could pitch out of the bullpen, Vogt said, “I think Triston has the ability to get outs, whether it be in the rotation or in the bullpen. We just want to make sure that we give all of our guys reps in both areas ... We have not made that decision yet of what’s going to happen.”
Allen (1-0, 2.92) has made six appearances this spring, including three starts. He has 19 strikeouts in 19 innings, while allowing four earned runs.
Cantillo (1-2, 6.17) has made five appearances, including four starts. He’s struck out 17, walked eight and allowed 13 hits in 11 2/3 innings.
McKenzie (0-1, 8.18) has made four appearances, including three starts. He’s struck out eight, walked five and allowed 15 hits in 11 innings.
“We talked early in camp and I challenged the guys,” said Vogt. “I said we have competition. And the beauty of competition is you pull the guy to your left and right up with you. You challenge them and then you have to challenge yourself.
“We don’t know where everybody’s going to end up. They’re putting a lot of pressure on us. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Re: Articles
10990Baseball America preseason predictions; the 9 writers' consensus the Gs in 3rd place behind Detroit and Minnesota.
One of their writers is a Central Division fan: he predicts the World Series to be a Guardians-Brewers showdown with Cleveland winning it all. He'd get good $ if that result came through.
For the AL champ they split: Red Sox 3; Rangers 3; Orioles, Yankees, Guardians 1 each
Other ratings;
Most disappointing offseason, only 1 vote for CLE
Guardians
Matt Eddy: So many choices for this one. The Orioles seem stuck in neutral, while division rivals in New York, Boston and Toronto improve. The Mariners are standing pat with an elite rotation and flawed lineup. But the biggest disappointment for me is the Guardians. A year after winning 92 games and reaching the ALCS, Cleveland’s biggest moves involved trading away Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor, the right side of their infield, in an eminently winnable AL Central. For the remaining Guardians players, it begs the question: What more do they need to accomplish to get any sort of buy-in from ownership?
The same guy who picked the Guards to win it all gives some of our kids surprisingly high marks
Category: Breakout position player?
Juan Brito, 2B, Guardians
Carlos Collazo: Juan Brito gets overlooked in a deep system of Cleveland prospects, but he’s a well-rounded hitter who has been an above-average hitter throughout his minor league career. He slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 home runs and 40 doubles in Triple-A in 2024. Now that Andres Gimenez is playing for Toronto, there’s a path to playing time for him at second base before presumed second baseman of the future Travis Bazzana takes over.
And in the REALLY? category for Breakout Pitcher:
Slade Cecconi, RHP, Guardians
Carlos Collazo: Cleveland’s acquisition of Slade Cecconi this offseason was intriguing to me, in part because it’s hard to forget just how dominant he looked six years ago as a high school pitcher in the 2018 class. Cecconi struggled to a 6.66 ERA in 77 innings with Arizona in 2024, but his 5.02 ERA was better and he also has the command and fastball spin profile to get me excited. Among all pitchers with 100 fastballs thrown last year, Cecconi’s 28.7 inches of total fastball movement was sixth in the game. I think there’s more in the tank here for the 26-year-old, and Cleveland is as equipped as any team to help unlock it.
One of their writers is a Central Division fan: he predicts the World Series to be a Guardians-Brewers showdown with Cleveland winning it all. He'd get good $ if that result came through.
For the AL champ they split: Red Sox 3; Rangers 3; Orioles, Yankees, Guardians 1 each
Other ratings;
Most disappointing offseason, only 1 vote for CLE
Guardians
Matt Eddy: So many choices for this one. The Orioles seem stuck in neutral, while division rivals in New York, Boston and Toronto improve. The Mariners are standing pat with an elite rotation and flawed lineup. But the biggest disappointment for me is the Guardians. A year after winning 92 games and reaching the ALCS, Cleveland’s biggest moves involved trading away Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor, the right side of their infield, in an eminently winnable AL Central. For the remaining Guardians players, it begs the question: What more do they need to accomplish to get any sort of buy-in from ownership?
The same guy who picked the Guards to win it all gives some of our kids surprisingly high marks
Category: Breakout position player?
Juan Brito, 2B, Guardians
Carlos Collazo: Juan Brito gets overlooked in a deep system of Cleveland prospects, but he’s a well-rounded hitter who has been an above-average hitter throughout his minor league career. He slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 home runs and 40 doubles in Triple-A in 2024. Now that Andres Gimenez is playing for Toronto, there’s a path to playing time for him at second base before presumed second baseman of the future Travis Bazzana takes over.
And in the REALLY? category for Breakout Pitcher:
Slade Cecconi, RHP, Guardians
Carlos Collazo: Cleveland’s acquisition of Slade Cecconi this offseason was intriguing to me, in part because it’s hard to forget just how dominant he looked six years ago as a high school pitcher in the 2018 class. Cecconi struggled to a 6.66 ERA in 77 innings with Arizona in 2024, but his 5.02 ERA was better and he also has the command and fastball spin profile to get me excited. Among all pitchers with 100 fastballs thrown last year, Cecconi’s 28.7 inches of total fastball movement was sixth in the game. I think there’s more in the tank here for the 26-year-old, and Cleveland is as equipped as any team to help unlock it.
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10991ack Meisel
@ZackMeisel
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9m
The Guardians have signed Tanner Bibee to a five-year deal with a club option for 2030. The contract will guarantee Bibee at least $48 million, per source.
@ZackMeisel
·
9m
The Guardians have signed Tanner Bibee to a five-year deal with a club option for 2030. The contract will guarantee Bibee at least $48 million, per source.
Re: Articles
10992Zack Meisel
@ZackMeisel
·
4m
Tanner Bibee contract details, per source:
$2M signing bonus
$3M in 2025, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029
$21M club option for 2030 or a $1M buyout
@ZackMeisel
·
4m
Tanner Bibee contract details, per source:
$2M signing bonus
$3M in 2025, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029
$21M club option for 2030 or a $1M buyout
Re: Articles
10993Guardians Prospective
@CleGuardPro
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4m
Can confirm, per source. Cleveland #Guardians have traded INF/OF Tyler Freeman to the Rockies for OF Nolan Jones.
@CleGuardPro
·
4m
Can confirm, per source. Cleveland #Guardians have traded INF/OF Tyler Freeman to the Rockies for OF Nolan Jones.
Re: Articles
10994Rockies acquire Tyler Freeman from Guardians for Nolan Jones
19 minutes ago
Thomas Harding
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Rockies acquired versatile middle-of-the-diamond player Tyler Freeman on Saturday from the Guardians, multiple Major League sources tell MLB.com, in exchange for a player they received from the same club in 2022: left fielder Nolan Jones.
The teams have not officially announced the deal.
Freeman, 26, can play the middle infield positions as well as center field, areas of need for the Rockies. The player the Rockies signed to play second base, Thairo Estrada, is out for 4-8 weeks with a fractured right wrist.
Get tickets early: 2025 Rockies promotional schedule is out
The right-handed hitting Freeman, batting .308 with two home runs in 15 Spring Training games, could work in a share of second base with Kyle Farmer, the 34-year-old veteran who was signed to make occasional starts. Farmer has also had a strong spring – hitting .333 after a single and a double in Sunday afternoon’s 10-4 win over the White Sox.
TRADE DETAILS
Rockies receive: UTL Tyler Freeman
Guardians receive: OF Nolan Jones
Freeman also is a versatile player who can play center field, meaning his presence could free up a roster spot. As the Rockies stand, Nick Martini, Jordan Beck, Sean Bouchard, Sam Hilliard and Jordan Beck (Rockies No. 8 prospect) are all competing to join two-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Brenton Doyle. Hilliard is penciled in to occasionally spell Doyle in center.
However, Freeman’s addition could create a chain reaction that opens a spot for Zac Veen -- who on Friday was announced as the winner of the team’s annual Abby Greer Award, which goes to the camp most valuable player with a player development emphasis.
Freeman potentially could move around the infield and outfield until Estrada returns. By having him work in the infield and outfield, the Rockies could find a way for Veen – their top pick in the 2020 MLB Draft – to begin his Major League career and start games. Veen is batting .298 with a .375 on-base percentage, two home runs and nine stolen bases in 25 Cactus League games.
Jones, 26, debuted with Cleveland in 2022 but had a standout rookie year in ‘23 with the Rockies, hitting .297 with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs and 20 steals. Last season, however, he dealt with back and knee issues, played in just 79 games and struggled offensively with a .227 average, three homers and 28 RBIs.
19 minutes ago
Thomas Harding
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Rockies acquired versatile middle-of-the-diamond player Tyler Freeman on Saturday from the Guardians, multiple Major League sources tell MLB.com, in exchange for a player they received from the same club in 2022: left fielder Nolan Jones.
The teams have not officially announced the deal.
Freeman, 26, can play the middle infield positions as well as center field, areas of need for the Rockies. The player the Rockies signed to play second base, Thairo Estrada, is out for 4-8 weeks with a fractured right wrist.
Get tickets early: 2025 Rockies promotional schedule is out
The right-handed hitting Freeman, batting .308 with two home runs in 15 Spring Training games, could work in a share of second base with Kyle Farmer, the 34-year-old veteran who was signed to make occasional starts. Farmer has also had a strong spring – hitting .333 after a single and a double in Sunday afternoon’s 10-4 win over the White Sox.
TRADE DETAILS
Rockies receive: UTL Tyler Freeman
Guardians receive: OF Nolan Jones
Freeman also is a versatile player who can play center field, meaning his presence could free up a roster spot. As the Rockies stand, Nick Martini, Jordan Beck, Sean Bouchard, Sam Hilliard and Jordan Beck (Rockies No. 8 prospect) are all competing to join two-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Brenton Doyle. Hilliard is penciled in to occasionally spell Doyle in center.
However, Freeman’s addition could create a chain reaction that opens a spot for Zac Veen -- who on Friday was announced as the winner of the team’s annual Abby Greer Award, which goes to the camp most valuable player with a player development emphasis.
Freeman potentially could move around the infield and outfield until Estrada returns. By having him work in the infield and outfield, the Rockies could find a way for Veen – their top pick in the 2020 MLB Draft – to begin his Major League career and start games. Veen is batting .298 with a .375 on-base percentage, two home runs and nine stolen bases in 25 Cactus League games.
Jones, 26, debuted with Cleveland in 2022 but had a standout rookie year in ‘23 with the Rockies, hitting .297 with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs and 20 steals. Last season, however, he dealt with back and knee issues, played in just 79 games and struggled offensively with a .227 average, three homers and 28 RBIs.
Re: Articles
10995Don't understand the trade. Among other things, Freeman is a more versatile player, a right handed hitter on a team mostly left handed, had a good spring; while Jones who I've been tracking this spring has not got back anywhere near his 2023 offensive breakthrough; hasn't homered this spring.
Jones has a great OF arm but where is he going to play? Unless they have another trade lined up for Brennan.
Lots of middle IF depth remains with Brito and Martinez in Columbus; Genao moving up; Francisca rising far below.
And OF depth is thin so it makes some sense but not a lot.
Jones is still rated preseason among the top 300 or so talents on some lists; perhaps the Guardians see signs he's ready to deliver, again,
Jones has a great OF arm but where is he going to play? Unless they have another trade lined up for Brennan.
Lots of middle IF depth remains with Brito and Martinez in Columbus; Genao moving up; Francisca rising far below.
And OF depth is thin so it makes some sense but not a lot.
Jones is still rated preseason among the top 300 or so talents on some lists; perhaps the Guardians see signs he's ready to deliver, again,