During the very early stages of the 2026 season, the Cleveland Guardians are still taking steps to shape their roster for now and into the future. A recent move led to a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, and that newly acquired pitcher has received his destination.
After designating outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez for assignment, the Guardians were able to work out a trade with the Orioles that sent him to the Baltimore organization. In return, Cleveland received minor league relief pitcher Carter Rustad.
According to Guardians Prospective, Rustad will begin his time with the Guardians’ organization at Double-A Akron.
“Cleveland Guardians newest acquisition 24-year-old RHP relief prospect Carter Rustad has been assigned to Double-A Akron,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians newest acquisition 24yr old RHP relief prospect Carter Rustad has been assigned to Double-A Akron.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 30, 2026
A 15th-round pick by Baltimore in the 2024 MLB Draft, Rustad moved up to Double-A in his first minor league season last year. At three levels combined, he made 32 relief appearances and one start, posting a 3.23 ERA in 53.0 innings with 40 hits allowed, 23 walks, and 56 strikeouts. He held opposing hitters to a .198 batting average.
He is unlikely to be called up to the majors this season, but the soon-to-be 25-year-old provides organizational pitching depth in case it is needed. With just one year of professional experience, he could establish himself as a potential MLB reliever in the future.
As for Rodriguez, his departure from the Cleveland organization is a bit of a mild surprise. Known for his offensive potential, he was part of the mix in spring training as the Guardians faced some significant roster decisions in the outfield.
He fared well with a .273 batting average, but he did not have any extra-base hits in 22 at-bats over 10 games. With an overflow of players at the position as is, and with Chase DeLauter leading a group of high-level prospects that includes George Valera, plus the status of Angel Martinez, it likely would have been difficult for Rodriguez to earn a roster spot in Cleveland in the future.
He leaves having played 44 games for the Guardians over two seasons, with a .176 batting average, a .586 OPS, and two home runs on his major league ledger.
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