The 2026 campaign is far from over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start peeking at what the 2026-27 offseason could look like for the Cleveland Guardians. There’s a chance things get messy in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, and a lockout isn’t out of the question, but it’s still worth looking at the current roster to see which players may or may not return.
Two specific veterans appear headed elsewhere after rather disappointing performances in 2026:
Rhys Hoskins
Hoskins joined the Guardians on February 22, just before spring training games. He was given time to settle and a role on the major league roster once the team broke camp.
The first base spot hasn’t produced the expected results for the Guardians this year, though, with both Hoskins and Kyle Manzardo failing to show their best versions. The veteran is hitting .174 with 11 home runs and a 93 wRC+, below the league-average mark of 100.
His defense is not particularly solid, and he doesn’t contribute at the basepaths, either. To sum up, he needs to hit to justify a prominent role, and he hasn’t been doing that.
Hoskins has been far from a disaster, though. He has contributed a steady veteran presence and some thump against lefties, but the Guardians could potentially give Ralphy Velazquez an expanded role in the first base-designated hitter rotation next year. With Manzardo still expected to be in the picture and other talented hitters such as CJ Kayfus still around, Hoskins could be the odd man out next year.
Shawn Armstrong
Armstrong, who was placed on the injured list on Saturday after straining his calf on Friday night, hasn’t been the reliever the Guardians thought they were signing in the offseason. Fresh off a 2.31-ERA campaign in Texas last year, Cleveland gave him a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a mutual option for 2027 worth $8 million.
For the mutual option to be activated, both parties should pick up their side of it. We are sure that Armstrong, who currently has a 4.91 ERA in 33 innings this season, will activate it. We have our doubts on the Guardians’ side, though, especially at that price point.
The mutual option comes with a $1.5 million buyout, so Cleveland will still need to pay him if they decide to move on. A reunion at a much lower salary remains possible, but not particularly likely.
Like Hoskins, Armstrong hasn’t been a complete disaster. He has had solid stretches. However, much more was expected from him, especially seeing how dominant he was in 2025.
The Guardians can find a cheaper alternative in the free agent pool next season, or they could also promote one of their talented minor league arms.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Why It's Too Early To Be Concerned About Kyle Manzardo
