Latest news and updates about the Guardians
The Fubon Guardians are set to post 25‑year‑old right‑hander Jyun‑Yue Tseng for MLB interest, with his posting window opening tomorrow. Tseng boasts a 2.36 ERA, 91 saves in 287 CPBL games, and a career 12.8 K/9, flashing 99‑mph heat despite his 5’8″ frame. He’s a two‑time Chinese Taipei WBC reliever and, after a 2023 free‑agency stint and recent shoulder setbacks, could also head to NPB if MLB deals don’t materialize.
Major League Baseball confirmed Saturday that right-handed relief pitcher Jyun-Yue Tseng, who has played all six of his professional seasons for the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan, is entering the posting system.
Parker Messick is a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year finalist, and he was developed in the Cleveland Guardians farm system under St. Louis Cardinals general manager Rob Cerfolio. Can the Cardinals find their own front-line starter soon?
Former Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testifies in the federal trial of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, saying the contested pitches were ordinary sliders called in the normal game plan. Naylor, who caught Ortiz for most of his starts and was behind the plate for seven of the 18 alleged rigged pitches, argues the throws were “low and away” as scouting reports suggested, not intentional balls for bettors. Prosecutors claim the pitchers manipulated 20 pitches from May 2023 to May 2025, netting gamblers $460,000, and face up to 65 years in combined wire‑fraud, bribery and money‑laundering charges. The defense also calls Austin Hedges and Mike Zunino, while the government presents betting‑tip testimony and geolocation data.
The Cleveland Guardians have reclaimed former infielder Jose Tena, claiming him off waivers from the Washington Nationals on November 2. Tena, 25, spent the last two½ seasons with Washington after Cleveland traded him to the Nats in 2024 for Lane Thomas. He logged a career‑high 114 games last year, posting a .222 average, seven homers and 25 RBIs while covering second, third and the outfield. The move adds depth to an in‑field already anchored by Jose Ramirez and Travis Bazzana as the Guardians plot their 2027 roster after a 4‑2 ALCS loss to the Rays.
The Cleveland Guardians claim infielder José Tena off waivers from Washington after he was designated for assignment. Tena, a former top prospect who debuted in Cleveland’s system and was part of the 2024 Lane Thomas trade, is 25 and bats left-handed. He has logged four MLB seasons with a .240/.303/.358 line (wRC+ 17% below average) and a high strikeout rate, but posts a strong .295/.362/.486 slash in Triple‑A. With no minor‑league options, he must earn a roster spot next spring or risk another DFA; he could serve as a bench depth piece at third, second or shortstop.
The St. Louis Cardinals announce Rob Cerfolio, 34, as the franchise’s first general manager under President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, who took the role in 2025. Cerfolio, a former Cleveland Guardians director of player development, replaces former assistant GM Randy Flores, who left for the Houston Astros. His promotion comes as the Cardinals, still rebuilding but exceeding 2026 expectations, look to stay competitive through 2027‑28. Bloom and Cerfolio will now steer the team’s talent development and roster moves amid a potential contender window.
The St. Louis Cardinals promote 34‑year‑old assistant GM Rob Cerfolio to general manager, making him the No. 2 executive under president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Cerfolio, who joined the club two offseasons ago after serving as the Guardians’ director of player development, has spent the past two seasons focusing on player development and performance. His elevation follows his recent candidacy in the Oakland Athletics’ GM search, alongside other top prospects like Brewers’ Matt Kleine and Red Sox’s Taylor Smith.
Cleveland assistant general manager Eric Binder sees ample promise in the 20-year-old right-handers. Source
The Phillies have declined a qualifying offer for third baseman Alec Bohm, signaling his likely exit in free agency. With a career 101 OPS+ and 107 wRC+ but sub‑par defense, Bohm is expected to land a short‑term deal with a small‑market club needing a corner infielder or DH—potentially the Cleveland Guardians or Kansas City Royals. Although his recent season was among his worst, the absence of a qualifying offer removes draft‑pick penalties, making him a viable, low‑cost option for teams looking to add a league‑average right‑handed bat.
The trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz begins this week, with prosecutors branding them “cheaters” over alleged pitch‑rigging conspiracy charges and defense attorneys claiming a setup. Former catcher Bo Naylor testifies he saw no irregularities. The article also touches on offseason news—including the Braves’ revenue report, Mariners’ new manager Jason Kanzler, Astros’ interest in Albert Pujols, and various free‑agent and trade rumors—while noting MLB’s decision to keep Intentional Talk on air.
NEW YORK (AP) — Catcher Bo Naylor, a former teammate of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, testified Thursday at their New York sports betting trial that he didn't know gamblers could place bets on individual pitches until the criminal case arose.
Arizona Diamondbacks prospects Demetrio Crisantes and Joe Ariola earn spots in the Fall Stars Game, while former top prospect O.N. Robinson exits the organization without an MLB debut. The D‑backs also spotlight what they seek from AFL and winter‑ball participants, including Crisantes and Patrick Forbes. The roundup adds MLB headlines: the Angels pause GM interviews pending sale approval, Albert Pujols interviews for the Astros’ manager role, Guardians pitchers face cheating accusations, MLB proposes a salary‑cap delay until 2028, and ex‑star Mark Teixeira wins a Texas House seat.
The Arizona Fall League’s 2026 Fall Stars Game kicks off Sunday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on MLB Network from Salt River Fields, featuring two all‑star rosters packed with top prospects. The AL squad is led by Guardians shortstop Welbyn Francisca (.409, 6 2B, 3 HR, 5 SB) and Kansas City’s teenage phenoms Angeibel Gomez (.834 OPS) and first‑round pick Zion Rose (1.012 OPS, 12 SB). Pitcher Sebastian Walcott rounds out the AL line‑up. The NL roster spotlights Phillies’ Aidan Miller (32 walks in 74 PA) and Braves infielder Tate Southisene (.914 OPS, 5 SB), plus hard‑throwing arms Jarlin Susana (up to 102 mph) and lefty Briggs McKenzie. Fans can still add one player per league via the Final 2 Vote.
The Cincinnati Reds have hired former Guardians assistant pitching coach Joe Torres as their new major‑league pitching coach, effective immediately ahead of the 2027 season. Torres, 44, is a former 1st‑round pick of the Anaheim Angels in 2000 and a left‑handed prospect once ranked #50 by Baseball America, but his playing career was derailed by Tommy John surgery. He transitioned to coaching with the Guardians’ farm system in 2017, working under Terry Francona. Torres replaces Derek Johnson, who was dismissed after a prolonged leave of absence in the 2026 season.
The Cincinnati Reds name former Cleveland Guardians assistant pitching coach Joe Torres as their new pitching coach, replacing Derek Johnson who left after a personal leave. Torres, who worked with manager Terry Francona in Cleveland from 2013‑2023 and served as the Guardians’ assistant pitching coach since 2022, brings a reputation for strong pitcher development—evident in 2026 ace Gavin Williams, Rookie of the Year finalist Parker Messick, and closer Cade Smith’s 41 saves. The Reds, whose 2026 ERA was 4.84 in a hitter‑friendly park and face roster turnover and injuries, hope Torres can help revive their rotation alongside Francona.
NEW YORK (AP) — Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were described by a prosecutor Wednesday as "cheaters" during opening statements at a New York criminal fraud trial that has cast a spotlight on the threat gamblers pose to America's pastime.
The Washington Nationals have released right‑hander Zak Kent, making him a free agent after designating him for assignment last week. The 28‑year‑old bounced around the league this season, being claimed and DFAed by the Guardians, Cardinals, Rangers, Twins and finally the Nationals, where he appeared in three bullpen stints and posted a 5.68 ERA over 12 ⅔ innings. Kent also struggled at Triple‑A Rochester with a near‑5.00 ERA in 32 games. Known for his rare 52‑degree over‑the‑top arm angle—one of only 15 pitchers with such a high release point this year—the move caps a tumultuous 2026 campaign for the pitcher.
With free agency open and a looming lockout, the Colorado Rockies scramble to fix a rotation that posted a league‑worst 5.59 ERA in 2026. The article spotlights two free‑agent starters who could plug the left‑handed gap left by José Quintana and Kyle Freeland. Foster Griffin, a 31‑year‑old southpaw, rebounded from a stint in Japan with a 3.06 ERA for Washington and a solid postseason showing for Cleveland, posting a 3.59 ERA over 183 innings this year and a seven‑pitch arsenal, though he commands a projected three‑year, $39 million deal. The second option is veteran right‑hander Colin Rea, 36, who has bounced between MLB and NPB and could bring experience at a lower cost. Both pitchers offer the Rockies a chance to stabilize a struggling staff, but the price and Coors Field challenges remain key considerations.
Baseball America breaks down the 2026 Arizona Fall League's top hitting prospects, spotlighting ten players who stood out despite the league’s offense‑heavy environment and new outfield positioning rules. Highlights include Caleb Bonemer’s raw but athletic outfield work for the White Sox, Charles Davalan’s questionable shift to second base with the Dodgers, Welbyn Francisca’s OPS jump to .879 and improved contact metrics for Cleveland, 17‑year‑old Angeibel Gomez’s solid .306/.390/.444 line for Kansas City, and Vance Honeycutt’s double‑A surge with the Orioles after adding a private hitting coach. The analysis offers concrete stats and developmental notes to gauge each prospect’s 2027 outlook.
The Blue Jays kick off free agency by declining Myles Straw’s $8 million option, opting for a $1.75 million buyout from the Guardians. Roster rules shift to off‑season, forcing the reinstatement of several players (Berríos, Bloss, Francis, Ponce, Santander, Barger, Clase) and clearing a spot for CJ Van Eyk. With 37 players on the 40‑man roster, Toronto must protect key prospects like breakout pitcher Nolan Perry, high‑upside arm Gage Stanifer, and former 2026 riser Daniel Guerra before the Rule 5 draft. Utility candidate Josh Kasevich also earns a spot, while relievers such as Chase Lee may be cut. In a highlight, Dylan Cease earns Cy Young finalist honors after a career‑best 2.40 ERA and 35% K% in 2026.
Guardians left‑hander Parker Messick joins Cam Schlittler and Dylan Cease as an AL Cy Young finalist, securing Cleveland a Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) bonus pick in the 2027 draft. Messick, rookie‑eligible through 2026, posted a 2.56 ERA over 32 starts (186⅓ innings, 193 K) and qualifies for the PPI after a top‑three Cy Young finish in his first three seasons. He also made the AL Rookie‑of‑the‑Year list, though that won’t add another pick. The article outlines PPI rules and notes other eligible rookies, including Tigers’ Kevin McGonigle, who could earn a similar draft choice.
The Toronto Blue Jays have declined the $8 million 2027 club option on outfielder Myles Straw, making him a free agent. Straw, 32, will receive a $1.75 million buyout covered by the Cleveland Guardians, who originally traded him to Toronto in January 2025. In 2026 he posted a .241/.304/.342 slash line with three homers, 26 RBI and seven steals over 330 plate appearances, a dip from his 2025 numbers. Despite a late‑season surge (.277/.348/.387), the Jays question committing to an $8 M salary for a defensively‑focused, limited‑power outfielder.
The Toronto Blue Jays decline the $8 million club option on outfielder Myles Straw, triggering a $1.75 million buyout from the Guardians per the 2025 trade. Straw, now a free agent, posted a .241/.304/.342 slash line over 330 PA in 2026 after a strong start (.277/.327/.383) and remains an elite runner and versatile defender. Toronto also reshuffled its 40‑man roster, reinstating several players from the 60‑day IL, outrighting CJ Van Eyk, and seeing Rudy Martin Jr. elect free agency. Potential suitors include the Yankees, Royals, Reds, Giants, Phillies and former club Houston.
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz go to trial Monday on charges that they accepted bribes as they colluded with gamblers who made hundreds of thousands of dollars betting correctly on individual pitches.