The Cleveland Guardians fell just short of the World Series this season, but the focus now shifts toward the offseason to do everything possible to get the team over the hump next year and put the Guardians in a position to capture their first championship since 1948.
To kick off the offseason, Cleveland announced on X that it has officially made four roster moves on Tuesday.
The Guardians announced that outfielder Myles Straw accepted an outright assignment to AAA Columbus, while right-handed pitcher James Karinchak was activated from the 60-day injured list and granted free agency, and lefty Sam Hentges and righty Trevor Stephan were also activated from the 60-day IL.
40-man roster moves today:
+OF Myles Straw accepted an outright assignment to AAA Columbus.
+Activated RHP James Karinchak from the 60-day Injured List (outrighted and granted free agency).
+Activated LHP Sam Hentges and RHP Trevor Stephanfrom the 60-day Injured List.
+Roster is…— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) November 4, 2024
These moves put the roster at 38 players currently and add a bit of flexibility heading into free agency.
Cleveland isn’t losing much this offseason from the 2024 roster outside of some starting pitching, as Shane Bieber, Alex Cobb, and Carlos Carrasco are all hitting the open market.
Bieber is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it’s possible Cleveland could look to retain him for a reasonable contract, while Cobb and Carrasco will likely land elsewhere.
Fans are urging the team to spend a bit and be aggressive due to having the entire foundation of the 2024 roster returning, and the team could need just a little push to get over the hump.
NEXT: Guardians, Austin Hedges Reach Agreement On Return
