The Cleveland Guardians’ quiet offseason continues. And even though they just made another move, it might be nothing to brag about. As reported by Guards Insider on X, the team announced that they had signed Carter Kieboom to a minor league contract.
However, that doesn’t even guarantee he’ll make the team:
“The Guardians have signed INF Carter Kieboom to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League camp. Spent 2025 in the Angels organization following 9 seasons in the Nationals organization,” GuardsInsider posted on X.
The Guardians have signed INF Carter Kieboom to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League camp. Spent 2025 in the Angels organization following 9 seasons in the Nationals organization.https://t.co/0cTnCXQSZP
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) January 13, 2026
Kieboom used to be a promising prospect. He was a first-round pick by the Washington Nationals back in 2016 and was tabbed as one of the league’s top 100 prospects.
He failed to live up to those expectations, however, slashing just .199/.297/.301 in 442 at-bats with the Nationals. He’s coming off a season with the Los Angeles Angels, joining them as a minor league free agent. The Angels later outrighted him.
He’s mostly a third baseman and shortstop. He also played second base, albeit to a lesser degree.
Kieboom was expected to be an elite hitter because of his plate discipline and outstanding pitch recognition before making it to the league. And while he has failed to show that in the majors, he does have a respectable .288/.380/.439 slash line in 1,376 at-bats at Triple-A.
The Guardians are more than set at both third base and the middle of the infield. Jose Ramirez isn’t going anywhere, and they have both Travis Bazzana (a former No. 1 pick) and Angel Genao waiting in line to get their shot there.
Kieboom is coming off logging just eight plate appearances for the Angels last season, logging a -0.3 WAR. As such, and given the team’s current infield situation, it’s hard to believe he’s going to make an impact or maybe even make the team. The Guardians have been one of the quietest teams in the offseason, even though they desperately need some help at the plate.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the type of transaction that’s going to move the needle for this organization.
NEXT: Guardians Given Discouraging Outlook On Winning Division
