The Cleveland Guardians have had a busy week between the deadline to protect prospects in their 40-man roster, the non-tender decisions, and some minor trades.
The team still has some major arbitration cases to solve, but they did secure the returns of Triston McKenzie and Sam Hentges.
You can add a third arm to that list of arbitration-eligible players who avoided the dreaded system by agreeing to a one-year contract.
“Guards avoid arbitration with RHP Ben Lively by signing him to a year deal worth $2.25 million. Also non-tendered George Valera and Connor Gillispie,” team insider Paul Hoynes posted on X.
Guards avoid arbitration with RHP Ben Lively by signing him to a year deal worth $2.25 million. Also non-tendered George Valera and Connor Gillispie.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) November 23, 2024
Gillispie and Valera had been designated for assignment earlier this week to make room for the infusion of talent on the roster: Franco Aleman, Nic Enright, Petey Halpin and Doug Nikhazy.
Peter Strzelecki was also DFA’d that day.
On Friday night, Strzelecki was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash, and Valera and Gillispie weren’t tendered a contract.
As for Lively, his presence on the 2025 rotation will hinge on what the Guardians do in the rest of the off-season.
His first campaign on the team wasn’t the most consistent one (he was decidedly better in the earlier months) but he was a solid arm for a division champ, and that has value.
In 151 innings of work in 2024, the 32-year-old veteran posted a solid 3.81 ERA with a 13-10 record and 118 strikeouts.
The Guardians will be delighted to have that kind of rotation depth for $2.25 million.
If the Guards do what they must and bring in a star or two for the pitching staff, there is a chance Lively is pushed out of the rotation.
In any case, he will contribute valuable innings.
NEXT: Guardians Trade Reliever To Pittsburgh
