The Cleveland Guardians fell just short of the World Series last season, increasing the focus on their offseason decisions. Despite this near-miss, the team has kept a relatively quiet offseason and still faces pressure to make necessary upgrades to take the next step. With spring training around the corner, there’s growing momentum for the Guardians to pursue a free-agent pitcher.
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Joel Reuter identified a realistic free-agent option for each MLB team, suggesting the Guardians target left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough.
Reuter noted, “The Guardians relied on Alex Cobb and Matthew Boyd to start postseason games last year. While they’ve added Luis L. Ortiz and will eventually have a healthy Shane Bieber, adding more rotation depth is a smart move. Yarbrough, a reliable swingman, could serve as a bulk reliever or fill a rotation spot if needed.”
Last season, Yarbrough made 44 appearances with the Dodgers and Blue Jays, posting a strong 3.19 ERA over 98.2 innings. At 33 years old, he is likely a cost-effective, short-term option—perfect for a team like the Guardians that needs to be mindful of their budget.
Although Yarbrough wouldn’t solve an immediate need, he would strengthen the rotation depth, particularly given the uncertainty around Shane Bieber’s recovery from Tommy John surgery. While fans might hope for a major signing, it’s becoming clear that a blockbuster move isn’t on the way. However, Yarbrough would still be a valuable addition to the Guardians’ pitching staff.
