The Cleveland Guardians’ offseason officially got underway on Thursday, and with it came the first changes to the roster that reached the American League Championship Series. Free agency opened the morning after the Milwaukee Brewers won the World Series, and players across baseball with expiring contracts hit the open market. Cleveland had four of them, and each played a different role during the team’s run to a third straight AL Central title.
Some were key contributors in October, while one did not play at all in the postseason because of an injury. The four players are catcher Austin Hedges, first basemen Rhys Hoskins and Nathaniel Lowe, and left-hander Foster Griffin. Teams have a five-day window to negotiate exclusively with their own free agents before the quiet period ends on Nov. 3, when the rest of the league can start signing them.
“The following Cleveland #Guardians players elected free agency on Thursday. C Austin Hedges 1B Rhys Hoskins 1B Nathaniel Lowe LHP Foster Griffin,” Guardians Prospective wrote.
The following Cleveland #Guardians players elected free agency on Thursday.
C Austin Hedges
1B Rhys Hoskins
1B Nathaniel Lowe
LHP Foster Griffin— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) October 30, 2026
Griffin is the most valuable of the group and likely the hardest to keep. The left-hander went 15-6 with a 3.60 ERA over 172 2/3 innings between Washington and Cleveland, struck out 158 batters and made the National League All-Star team. He was even better in October, striking out fifteen batters in 10 1/3 postseason innings. He is predicted to get a three-year deal worth $67 million, while some have projected his market value at about $20 million per year. That price could push him out of Cleveland’s range.
Lowe delivered some of the biggest hits of the postseason, including a go ahead two run single in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Rays. His regular season numbers with Cleveland were modest, however, as he posted a .650 OPS after arriving at the trade deadline. Chris Antonetti said the team will stay engaged with Lowe and Griffin, but the idea of paying Lowe market value to return is likely wishful thinking.
Hedges is the emotional heart of the group. The veteran catcher has re-signed with Cleveland on a one-year deal in each of the last three offseasons, and after the ALCS loss, he said he hopes it was not the last time he wears a Cleveland jersey. He is coming off one of the best offensive seasons of his career, hitting .249 with six home runs and a .708 OPS, which could bring bigger offers from other teams. Patrick Bailey will be the starting catcher, and prospects Cooper Ingle and Kody Huff are pushing for the backup job.
Hoskins is the least likely to return. The veteran first baseman spent the final weeks of the season on the injured list with lower back inflammation and was not part of Cleveland’s postseason roster.
The departures leave clear openings at first base, at backup catcher and in the rotation. Top prospect Ralphy Velazquez could take over first base at some point in 2027 after hitting 29 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, while David Fry offers versatility at several positions.
The Guardians will have to move quickly. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire on Dec. 1 and a possible lockout looming, many expect a rush of free agent signings in November. Cleveland’s decisions on these four players could be the first big moves of what promises to be an important winter.
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