The Guardians’ biggest offseason story might be the one no one noticed: key pitching adds that hint at a major shift.NL

The Guardians haven’t made a headline-grabbing move this offseason – no blockbuster trades, no big-ticket free agents – but don’t mistake quiet for inactivity. Cleveland’s front office has been working the margins, adding a trio of relievers in Connor Brogdon, Colin Holderman, and Rule 5 pick Peyton Pallette. On paper, these aren’t the kind of moves that dominate winter meetings chatter, but if you’ve followed this team closely, you know this is right in their wheelhouse.

Let’s start with the context. Emmanuel Clase remains on paid leave, and the bullpen took some hits in free agency with Jakob Junis, Nic Enright, and Kolby Allard all moving on.

That left the Guardians in need of reinforcements – not just arms, but potential impact guys who could step into meaningful innings. Enter Brogdon, Holderman, and Pallette.

Now, none of these names are going to light up the hot stove. Brogdon and Holderman have a combined decade of MLB experience, but both are coming off rough seasons and injury setbacks.

Brogdon posted a 5.55 ERA with the Angels in 2025, while Holderman struggled to a 7.01 ERA with the Pirates. Injuries played a role in both cases – Brogdon missed nearly all of 2024 with plantar fasciitis and spent much of 2025 working his way back, while Holderman dealt with a knee sprain and thumb inflammation that sidelined him for nine weeks.

Then there’s Pallette, a Rule 5 Draft pick who has yet to make his big league debut. He’s a project, but a promising one, and the Guardians clearly see something they believe they can mold.

If this sounds familiar, it should. This is the same blueprint Cleveland has used time and again: buy low on pitchers with upside, trust their development system, and let the results speak for themselves.

Just look at what they did with Ben Lively. After an injury-riddled 2023 season with the Reds that saw him post a 5.38 ERA, the Guardians signed him to a one-year deal for just $750,000.

That move turned out to be one of the best value signings in recent memory. Lively delivered a 3.81 ERA across 151 innings in 2024 and became a stabilizing force in a rotation that battled inconsistency and injuries all year.

Then there was Matthew Boyd. Midway through 2024, Cleveland took a flyer on the veteran lefty as he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. He gave them 39 2/3 innings of 2.72 ERA ball down the stretch before heading to Chicago and turning in an All-Star campaign with the Cubs.

Even last season, the Guardians dipped into the veteran pitching pool with Junis and Matt Festa. Junis gave them 66 2/3 innings of 2.97 ERA work, while Festa – picked up off waivers after April – became a near-daily fixture out of the bullpen.

This is what Cleveland does. They identify undervalued arms, trust their pitching infrastructure, and more often than not, they come out looking like the smartest team in the room.

Brogdon and Holderman fit that mold perfectly. They’re coming off down years, yes, but both have shown flashes of real potential when healthy.

Brogdon’s changeup, in particular, has been a weapon – and if he’s back to full strength, there’s reason to believe he could carve out a key role. Holderman, too, has the kind of stuff that could play up in a more defined role, especially if the Guardians can help him stay on the field.

Pallette is more of a wild card, but that’s the nature of the Rule 5 Draft. He’s a high-upside play, and Cleveland’s track record suggests they see something in his profile worth betting on.

Of course, for fans hoping for a splashier offseason – especially in the outfield – these bullpen additions might feel underwhelming. But these are the kinds of moves that have kept Cleveland in the mix, year after year. Two straight AL Central titles didn’t happen by accident, and while the 2026 season will bring new challenges, the Guardians are once again banking on their ability to turn overlooked arms into key contributors.

It’s not flashy. But it’s smart. And for Cleveland, it’s a formula that works.