3 Cleveland Guardians Who Won't Be Back Next Season

The Cleveland Guardians went out the hard way in the ALCS, losing on a Juan Soto 3-run extra-innings blast in Game 6. But they accomplished more than most baseball followers expected in 2024, and they'll be a team to be reckoned with again in the AL Central in 2025.

But first, they'll be making some changes this offseason, and it's safe to say that these 3 veterans won't be back:

Carlos Carrasco

In his second stint in Cleveland, Carrasco had a dreadful time of it this season, posting a 3-10 record and a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts. He was even DFA'd in mid-September, and though no other team claimed him, he never made another appearance for the Guardians. Now a free agent, he'll bid Cleveland adieu for the second time.

Alex Cobb

Health was a major concern for Cobb in 2024, keeping him off the mound for most of the year, including a large chunk of time after his arrival in Cleveland at the trade deadline. He did make two nice starts (of his three) in the regular season when he was able to make it to the mound, but he got battered around in his postseason appearances. At the age of 37 as a free agent, it's unlikely the Guardians will invest any more time or money in Cobb.

Austin Hedges

The 32-year-old has always been known as a superior defensive catcher. But he's been unable to get his batting average to start with '2' throughout his career, with a lifetime mark of .186. In his 66 games in this, his second stop in Cleveland, it was even worse, as he hit a career-low (for a full season) of .152 with an OPS+ of a meager 21. And now with Bo Naylor and David Fry (on a limited basis behind the plate) proving they can do the job (defensively and offensively, respectively), there's no need to have Hedges around any further, as he enters free agency this offseason.