Guardians Move On From Pitcher In Offseason Trade

The Cleveland Guardians protected pitching prospects Daniel Espino and Cade Smith this week by adding them to their 40-man roster.

They had to free up a couple of spots on the roster, and right-handed pitcher Cal Quantrill was designated for assignment as a result.

By designating a player for assignment, the team has a few days to trade him, waive him, or outright him to the minors.

With Quantrill being 28 years old and boasting a career 3.83 ERA, the Guardians were able to work out a trade.

“We have acquired C Kody Huff from the Rockies in exchange for RHP Cal Quantrill. Thank you for everything you’ve done in our clubhouse and our community, Cal. Best of luck in Colorado!” the team tweeted.

We have acquired C Kody Huff from the Rockies in exchange for RHP Cal Quantrill.

Thank you for everything you've done in our clubhouse and our community, Cal. Best of luck in Colorado!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/KoJEBq0hIg

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 17, 2023

The Rockies were able to get Quantrill on the cheap thanks to the Guards’ 40-man roster crunch.

It can be, by all means, considered a buy-low opportunity for the Rockies considering their abysmal pitching staff.

Quantrill did post a disappointing 5.24 ERA in 19 starts this past campaign in Cleveland, one that saw him miss significant time with shoulder issues.

However, if he is truly healthy – indications seem to suggest that he is, or at least close – he can have a bounce-back year.

It just wasn’t going to happen on the Guardians because they have Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen, Xzavion Curry, and Hunter Gaddis, among others.

In Huff, they get a catching prospect about to turn 23 with a 104 wRC+ (100 is considered league-average offensive performance) in 340 Single-A plate appearances.

In Colorado’s thin air, Quantrill’s ERA could rise significantly, but he has a much better opportunity to get at least 25 or 30 starts.