The Cleveland Guardians are making significant changes to their roster following a tumultuous season, marked by unforeseen challenges. As the offseason unfolds, we begin to see key player movements ahead of the official free agency period, which opens five days after the conclusion of the World Series.
One notable development is the decision of pitcher Carlos Hernández to elect free agency. Hernández joined the Guardians on July 31 through a waiver claim but was removed from the 40-man roster in August. With the Guardians’ exit from the postseason after the Wild Card Series, he opted to explore new opportunities.
Hernández, 28, is known for his remarkable fastball, often exceeding 100 mph. Despite showcasing his potential during a five-year tenure with the Kansas City Royals, where he struggled to secure a consistent role and was left off the Opening Day roster this year, his career has seen ups and downs. Following a string of roster moves that included stints with both the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers, he made 41 appearances in the majors this season, recording a 6.23 ERA and being designated for assignment three times.
During his limited time with the Guardians, Hernández pitched five times, allowing three earned runs over seven innings. He subsequently spent the rest of the season with Triple-A Columbus. For the Guardians to continue their interest in Hernández, they would need to re-sign him during this critical offseason.
While teams often see potential for revitalizing pitchers like Hernández due to their rare ability to throw at triple-digit speeds, he carries a 5.14 career ERA across 256 1/3 innings. As he ventures into free agency, he faces the challenge of proving he can regain a foothold in the majors.
The situation surrounding Hernández exemplifies the broader landscape of MLB free agency, where teams are constantly searching for underappreciated talent to enhance their rosters, hoping to unlock the potential within promising players.