💥 BREAKING NEWS: Guardians shock the league with a bold roster move just before the MLB non-tender deadline ⚡.NL
As the MLB non-tender deadline looms just hours away, front offices around the league are making last-minute decisions that will shape their rosters heading into the offseason. For the Cleveland Guardians, the spotlight isn’t on splashy free-agent pursuits this winter-but that doesn’t mean they’ll be quiet. With nearly their entire 40-man roster requiring contract tenders, Cleveland has some meaningful choices to make, especially regarding a handful of arbitration-eligible players.
Only three players-Tanner Bibee, JosĂ© RamĂrez, and Austin Hedges-are locked in with guaranteed deals for next season. That leaves the Guardians with 37 decisions to make, most of which are procedural. But a few names stand out, and how Cleveland handles them could offer clues about the team’s direction heading into 2026.
Let’s break down the six key arbitration-eligible players and where things stand just before the buzzer.
Sam Hentges – Projected Arbitration Salary: $1.3375 million
Hentges didn’t throw a single pitch in 2025, sidelined by a combination of arm and knee injuries. But before that, the lefty had carved out a niche as a high-leverage bullpen weapon. He’s the kind of pitcher you want available late in games-especially against left-handed hitters-and when healthy, he’s shown flashes of being one of the more reliable arms in the Guardians’ pen.
Cleveland avoided arbitration with Hentges last offseason with a $1.3 million deal, and odds are they’ll run that play back again. It’s not the time to sell low on a reliever who could regain his form and value quickly once he’s back on the mound.
Steven Kwan – Projected Arbitration Salary: $8.8 million
Kwan is one of the more interesting cases on the Guardians’ roster. His name’s been floating around in trade rumors for months, largely due to the sizable raise he’s due in arbitration. But don’t let the chatter fool you-Kwan remains a cornerstone piece in Cleveland’s lineup.
Yes, his offensive production has dipped in the second half of each season, but he still sets the tone at the top of the order and brings elite defense to the outfield. He’s the kind of player who keeps innings alive, saves runs with his glove, and gives pitchers breathing room. His future in Cleveland might not be long-term, but he’s not going anywhere just yet.
Nolan Jones – Projected Arbitration Salary: $2 million
This one feels like it’s nearing the end. Jones was brought back to Cleveland with the hope that he could finally solve the team’s revolving door in right field. But despite some promising exit velocity numbers, the production just didn’t follow-he hit only .211 and never quite found his rhythm.
Jones has the raw tools: power, arm strength, athleticism. But Cleveland’s outfield is crowded, and Jones hasn’t done enough to separate himself from the pack. If a trade partner doesn’t emerge in the next few hours, he’s a prime candidate to be outrighted off the 40-man roster.
Will Brennan – Projected Arbitration Salary: $900,000
Brennan is a bit of a wild card. He’s got good contact skills and holds his own defensively, but he barely saw the field in 2025, appearing in just six games. Add in a disappointing 2023 campaign, and the front office has a tough call to make.
At under a million dollars, Brennan’s contract is hardly a burden, but roster spots are a premium commodity. If the Guardians are eyeing external additions, Brennan could be the odd man out. For now, he probably sticks-but his margin for error is razor-thin moving forward.
David Fry – Projected Arbitration Salary: $1.2 million
Injuries once again cloud the picture here. Fry’s 2025 season was derailed by offseason shoulder surgery, limiting him almost exclusively to designated hitter duties. And when he did play, he struggled, hitting just .171.
Still, Fry’s value lies in his versatility. He can move around the diamond and gives the Guardians a right-handed bat that can punish lefties.
When healthy, that skill set is worth more than $1.2 million. Unless another team makes a compelling offer, expect Fry to be back in the mix next season.
Matt Festa – Projected Arbitration Salary: $1 million
Festa was a constant presence in the Guardians’ bullpen last year, appearing in 63 games after arriving from Texas in late April. He’s not without his detractors-his outings often sparked debate among fans-but there’s no denying his role within the staff.
Manager Stephen Vogt clearly trusts him, and at $1 million, Festa is a cost-effective depth piece who can eat innings and handle middle-relief duties. His effectiveness will depend heavily on matchups and usage, but he’s earned another look in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Guardians aren’t making headlines this offseason-at least not yet-but these non-tender decisions are more than just housekeeping. They’re a reflection of how the front office views its internal depth, and which pieces they believe can be part of the next playoff push.
For now, expect Cleveland to keep most of these players in the fold. But with the hot stove heating up, don’t be surprised if some of these names resurface in trade talks before spring training.
