2 Guardians Free Agents They Must Re-Sign

It’s still way too early to dive deep into the Cleveland Guardians’ offseason and their plans. However, we do know some of their pending free agents.

Some of them, like Rhys Hoskins, are likely gone, while others like Foster Griffin represent a dilemma for the organization. These two, however, should be brought back for 2027:

Austin Hedges

Austin Hedges hit .247/.325/.377, slugged six home runs, and posted a 100 wRC+ in 2026. It might not seem like much in a vacuum, but it’s the first time in his career he’s provided league-average offense.

Combine his newfound hitting ability with his defensive chops, veteran leadership, and clubhouse presence, and you have a player who is close to irreplaceable for the Guardians. We have said it many times: Hedges is more than just a backup catcher. He is the heart and soul of a very solid group of people.

He is also Parker Messick’s personal catcher, and someone who pitchers find excellent at his job, which includes calling games, blocking pitches, controlling the running game, scouting the opposition, and stealing strikes behind the plate.

The Guardians need to do whatever it takes to retain Hedges. They would maintain clubhouse harmony and give themselves an on-field advantage.

Shawn Armstrong

Armstrong’s stint with the Guardians didn’t get off to the best start. He had a 4.22 ERA in March/April and walked seven in his first 10.2 innings with his new team after signing a one-year deal in the offseason.

He was much better in May (2.08 ERA) but suffered multiple injuries through the year, including a calf strain that derailed the last few weeks of the regular season for him. Fortunately, he got healthy in time to show his best version in October.

In the postseason, Armstrong posted a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 frames, walking no one and striking out six. He surrendered just three hits and looked dominant.

Armstrong was so good out of the Guardians’ bullpen that he was trusted with opening multiple important games, which meant facing the top of the opposition’s lineup. That part of the order often has the best hitters, but the veteran righty navigated the situation smoothly and gave manager Stephen Vogt an arm that he could trust.

Armstrong is already 36, but there’s a chance he returns to Cleveland next year. There’s no reason to think that the two parties can’t work something out.