Guardians plotting bullpen overhaul at MLB winter meetings, with a bold aim to fill as many as five relief spots
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Stephen Vogt didn’t mince words when describing the Guardians’ bullpen needs at this week’s MLB winter meetings: the club may need to fill up to five bullpen roles.
That candid assessment came to light on the latest Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast, where Paul Hoynes shared Vogt’s blunt takeaway: Cleveland must replenish a patchwork relief corps that shifted from just replacing its closer to rebuilding the entire unit. Emmanuel Clase is expected to depart under a cloud of federal gambling charges, creating a glaring back-end vacancy. But the issue runs deeper than one absence—the entire bullpen needs a meaningful upgrade.
One potential path is the Rule 5 draft, which could provide a low-cost route to bullpen reinforcements. The Guardians, armed with the 21st pick, selected 24-year-old right-hander Peyton Pallette from the White Sox. If Pallette makes the roster, he wouldn’t be Cleveland’s first Rule 5 success story. The podcast highlighted Trevor Stephan, who became a key bullpen piece after being selected in the 2020 Rule 5 draft before an elbow injury in spring training 2024 sidelined him. Hoynes praised that pick for turning into a multi-year deal, even though Stephan has faced struggles returning from Tommy John surgery.
However, the Rule 5 route carries clear risk. Any player taken must stay on the 26-man roster all season or be offered back to their original club, a constraint that complicates decisions. Hoynes explained that the Guardians are unlikely to pursue two Rule 5 selections unless they’re confident they’ll be able to keep both on the roster, essentially tying up two valuable roster spots with untested players.
Cleveland flirted with this approach last season by selecting Deyvison De Los Santos for power potential and positional versatility. He didn’t make the club out of spring, tried at first base and in the outfield, showed the kind of power they liked, but the timing wasn’t right, and he ultimately wasn’t retained by Cleveland.
As the club builds for 2026, the bullpen reconstruction looms large. Over the coming weeks, the Guardians will weigh Rule 5 selections, free-agent signings, trades, or a mix of approaches to stabilize a suddenly critical area. The way Cleveland navigates this bullpen crisis could shape their competitive prospects for next season.
For deeper discussion on Cleveland’s bullpen strategy and other winter meetings insights, catch the latest Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast with Joe Noga and Paul Hoynes.
Podcast transcript highlights (condensed):
- The Guardians’ bullpen goal is to add several arms to a group that currently has only a handful of reliable relievers left after Clase’s expected departure. The Rule 5 draft remains a potential path.
- Trevor Stephan’s Rule 5 success story was cited as an example of the format’s upside, though his return from Tommy John surgery has been challenging.
- The team’s balancing act includes evaluating whether to take one or two Rule 5 players and the implications of occupying two 26-man roster spots with untested players.
- The club also discussed World Baseball Classic participation for current minor leaguers and prospects, including Travis Bazzana (Australia) and Venezuela’s infield options, and weighed the potential impact on spring training and development.
Controversial note to consider: Should a franchise utility policy allow or even encourage multiple Rule 5 acquisitions if the long-term upside is high, or should teams prioritize proven major-league-ready incumbents over developmental risks? What’s your take on forcing a roster commitment that could stall development for the sake of immediate bullpen depth?
As for the major moves in the broader league, the Orioles are loading up, signing Pete Alonso to a five-year deal with no opt-outs and moving the left-field wall back to maximize power—an enticing but potentially risky upgrade in a division that already features strong offensive offenses. The league’s free-agent market is starting to move, signaling a wider shift in how teams balance immediate productivity against long-term flexibility.
The Frick Award news also added an emotional twist: Joe Buck will join Paul Hoynes at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Cooperstown this summer, following Tom Hamilton’s recent honor. It’s a reminder that winter meetings aren’t just about trades and rosters—they’re about defining legacies and shaping stories that fans will discuss for years.
Would you prefer the Guardians to lean more on Rule 5 acquisitions with a convenience-first, short-term fix, or should they emphasize established relievers and smart trades to preserve future flexibility? Share your thoughts in the comments.
