The Cleveland Guardians opened the 2026-27 MLB offseason with a flurry of moves on October 29 and 30, sending six players into free agency and reshaping a roster that reached the American League Championship Series.
Four players elected free agency on Thursday, and the front office declined two club options on Friday, according to Sports Illustrated. The moves mark the start of what promises to be a busy winter in Cleveland.
Who left the Guardians in free agency?
Catchers and corner bats headline the departure list. Austin Hedges, Foster Griffin, Nathaniel Lowe and Rhys Hoskins all elected free agency on Thursday, as free agency opened the morning after the Milwaukee Brewers won the World Series, Guardians Nation reported.
Hedges is the most interesting case. He is coming off one of his best offensive years while keeping the defensive consistency behind the plate that has defined his career. The Guardians said they would let him test the open market. With Patrick Bailey establishing himself in the majors, Cleveland is getting crowded at catcher, and the front office must decide whether Hedges fits the future or whether it is time to hand the job to younger options, Yahoo Sports noted.
At first base, the Guardians face a real decision. Hoskins was injured in the second half of the 2026 season and never returned, with the organization turning to Lowe in his absence. Now Lowe is also a free agent. With prospects knocking at the door in Triple-A, Cleveland could pivot to its youth movement and let a trade deadline acquisition walk.
Griffin, a left-handed pitcher acquired at the deadline, struggled after arriving, posting an ERA above 5.00. Cleveland could use a left arm in the bullpen or the rotation, but other teams will likely outbid them.
Armstrong and Stephan options declined
On Friday, the Guardians declined their half of right-hander Shawn Armstrong's $8 million mutual option for 2027, along with right-hander Trevor Stephan's club option, MLB.com reported. RoundtableSports confirmed the Armstrong decision had been anticipated since the contract he signed last offseason included the mutual option.
Armstrong's case is more complicated than the numbers suggest. Injured twice during the regular season, he never found a consistent rhythm, yet he became arguably Cleveland's most reliable reliever in the postseason. A return is still possible.
“It is obviously up to the front office at that point. But at the end of the day, yeah, I would love to be back here and be a Cleveland Guardian next year, too,” Armstrong said after the ALCS.
Stephan has not pitched in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, working his way back with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. A reunion is possible only if the price makes sense.
Milan Tolentino added to the 40-man roster
The Guardians also protected infielder Milan Tolentino from minor league free agency by adding him to the 40-man roster. Tolentino slashed .225/.328/.453 with the Clippers, hitting 25 doubles and 21 home runs.
His power bat could earn a big league look early next season. But if Brayan Rocchio, Travis Bazzana and Angel Genao stay healthy and keep improving, Tolentino could become a trade candidate just as quickly.
What comes next for Cleveland
The rotation is already being reworked for 2027. Cleveland plans to promote Gavin Williams to the No. 1 slot, move rookie Parker Messick to No. 2, and add Austin Peterson and Daniel Espino in supporting roles, Head Topics reported.
For a front office that has built contenders on drafting and development rather than free agent spending, these moves fit the pattern. The Guardians need to rebuild the bullpen yet again, decide on a first baseman, and settle the catching picture. The offseason is young, and as the last two days showed, more surprises are coming.
FAQ
Which Guardians players became free agents in October 2026?
Austin Hedges, Foster Griffin, Nathaniel Lowe and Rhys Hoskins elected free agency on October 29, 2026.
Why did the Guardians decline Shawn Armstrong's option?
The Guardians declined their half of Armstrong's $8 million mutual option for 2027 on October 30, 2026, though Armstrong said he would welcome a return to Cleveland.
Who did the Guardians add to their 40-man roster?
Infielder Milan Tolentino, who hit 21 home runs for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers in 2026, was added to protect him from minor league free agency.