Who needs to be added to the 40-man roster to avoid the Rule 5 Draft?
The Rule 5 Draft is set for Dec. 10. Players who need to be added to the 40-man roster to avoid eligibility include infielder Angel Genao (No. 3 prospect, No. 59 overall), infielder/outfielder Kahlil Watson (No. 18) and right-hander Austin Peterson (No. 30).
Other players include outfielder Wuilfredo Antunez, infielder Juan Benjamin and right-hander Trenton Denholm, each of whom has played in the Arizona Fall League this month. Also on the list are infielder Dayan Frías, catcher Cameron Barstad and lefty Steven Pérez. The Guardians re-signed each of those three (and Antunez) this month to a Minor League deal with an invite to big league Spring Training.
The Guardians’ 40-man roster is full. Thomas and Junis’ free agencies will open two spots, as would any non-tender decisions.
What kind of help do the Guardians need?
Cleveland’s No. 1 need is help offensively after it averaged 3.97 runs per game in 2025 (28th in MLB). Whether it’s Thomas or someone else, adding a right-handed-hitting outfielder would make a ton of sense, as could adding bullpen help. There is uncertainty around closer Emmanuel Clase, and Cleveland also noted this month that Nic Enright will require Tommy John surgery.
Will the Guardians be active in free agency?
They certainly could be. Even when accounting for Means’ option, and costs such as salaries for players who are arbitration-eligible or in the pre-arbitration phase, Cleveland may have some flexibility this winter. The Guardians have just four players with a guaranteed contract for 2026 in José Ramírez, Tanner Bibee, Austin Hedges and Clase -- who was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28 due to an ongoing MLB investigation.
Who might be traded?
Kwan’s name appeared on the rumor mill before the Trade Deadline. It would not be surprising if that is also the case this winter. He could bring back a lot of value as a two-time All-Star who may soon earn his fourth straight Gold Glove Award, and as a player who is arbitration-eligible through 2027. Those factors also continue to make him an extension candidate.
The Guardians at least have the option to tap into their rotation depth in a trade scenario, especially if they pick up Means’ option. But as the saying goes, teams can never have enough starting pitching.
