In a move no one saw coming, the Guardians slash two players ahead of the deadline, igniting questions about what’s really brewing.NL
The Guardians made some noise ahead of the non-tender deadline, trimming their roster and reshaping the edges of the team as they head into a pivotal offseason. After protecting four prospects earlier in the week, Cleveland followed that up by non-tendering outfielder Will Brennan and relievers Sam Hentges and Nic Enright-moves that clear space and signal a shift in direction for the club. All three are now free agents.
On the flip side, the Guardians tendered contracts to David Fry, Matt Festa, Nolan Jones, and Steven Kwan, keeping a mix of versatile depth and upside in the fold. According to reports, Jones will earn $2 million in 2026, Fry agreed to a $1.375 million deal, and Festa will make $1 million.
Kwan, who’s arbitration-eligible, was also tendered a contract, and the two sides now have a couple of months to land on a salary figure. MLB Trade Rumors projects that number to land around $8.8 million.
Let’s break down what these moves mean-and what they tell us about how Cleveland is thinking.
Will Brennan and Sam Hentges: Once Key Pieces, Now Odd Men Out
At one point, both Brennan and Hentges looked like long-term contributors. Brennan burst onto the scene in 2022, earning a spot on the Guardians’ postseason roster after just 11 regular-season games.
He followed that up with a solid 2023 campaign, hitting .266 with five home runs and 31 RBIs. But the momentum didn’t last.
His 2024 season saw a noticeable drop-off in production, and by 2025, injuries had taken over-he played in just six games before undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The Guardians could’ve looked at Brennan as a low-cost option in right field, but instead, they’re betting on Nolan Jones to bounce back. Jones had a rough 2025, hitting just .211, but the front office clearly sees untapped potential and was willing to commit at the $2 million mark.
Hentges is a bit more complicated. From 2022 to 2024, he was a valuable lefty out of the bullpen, posting a strong 2.93 ERA over 138 innings.
But injuries derailed him in 2024, and he didn’t throw a pitch all season. The Guardians still tendered him a deal last offseason, knowing he’d miss the year, but this time around, they opted not to roll the dice again.
It’s a tough break for a guy who showed real promise, but with roster spots at a premium and uncertainty around his health, the move makes sense.
Nic Enright, who also became a free agent, was more of a depth arm and didn’t have the same long-term track record as Hentges or the early splash that Brennan made.
Who’s Staying-and Why
The Guardians’ decision to keep David Fry and Matt Festa wasn’t all that surprising, but it says a lot about how they’re building out their roster.
Fry didn’t have a standout 2025, but he’s expected to be fully recovered from arm surgery by the start of 2026. That’s key.
A healthy Fry brings defensive flexibility and a bat that can contribute, especially in a utility role. With a $1.375 million price tag, he’s a cost-effective piece who could provide real value if he bounces back.
Festa, meanwhile, may not be the guy to close games, but he’s a steady arm who earned manager Stephen Vogt’s trust. That counts for something. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable-and in today’s bullpen landscape, that’s worth holding onto, especially at $1 million.
Steven Kwan: The Big One Still to Come
Kwan’s contract situation is the biggest remaining question. The Guardians tendered him a deal, and now they’ll work through the arbitration process.
He’s projected to earn $8.8 million, and given his consistency and all-around contributions, that number feels about right. He’s been one of the more dependable pieces in the lineup, and locking him in for 2026 would be a strong step toward stabilizing the top of the order.
What’s Next?
With the roster now sitting at 38 players, Cleveland has some flexibility heading into the next phase of the offseason. Whether it’s adding a bat, shoring up the bullpen, or taking a flyer on a non-tendered player from another team, Chris Antonetti and the front office have room to maneuver.
This wasn’t a blockbuster day for the Guardians, but it was a meaningful one. They made calculated decisions-parting ways with injured or underperforming players while retaining cost-effective depth and betting on upside.
It’s the kind of roster maintenance that doesn’t grab headlines but sets the stage for bigger moves down the line. And with the Rule 5 Draft and Winter Meetings on the horizon, don’t be surprised if this is just the beginning.
