The Cleveland Guardians are staring down a hefty $47.2 million arbitration bill, with the non-tender deadline hitting at 5 PM ET on Friday, November 20th. This isn’t just about dollars and cents, it’s about shaping the roster for 2027 and beyond, with some surprising names potentially on the move as the team navigates these crucial decisions.
The Nine Figures Cleveland *Has* To Keep (For Now)
MLB Trade Rumors usually nails their arbitration projections, and based on their numbers, nine Guardians players are pretty much locks to be tendered contracts. We’re talking about a significant chunk of change here: Jo Adell at $9.6M, Steven Kwan at $11.3M, Colin Holderman at $2.3M, Patrick Bailey at $2.3M, Gavin Williams at $4.8M, Hunter Gaddis at $2.2M, Tim Herrin at $1.3M, Brayan Rocchio at $3.1M, and Cade Smith at $5.5M. Our insider thinks Adell’s number might be a bit high, maybe by a million or two, but the rest look spot on.
Even if the front office isn’t 100% sold on Adell, Herrin, or Holderman long-term, their trade value is just too high to let them walk for nothing. So, expect all nine of these guys to be back with Cleveland in 2027. But that doesn’t mean everyone is safe from a trade. Keep an eye on Brayan Rocchio, whose $3.1 million contract could make him an attractive target. The team is reportedly high on Genao, and other clubs could definitely be interested in Rocchio for his defensive prowess, even if his bat is only projected to be “average.” The most surprising name with potential trade buzz is Steven Kwan. Yes, the $11.3 million man. It’s still pretty unlikely, but the looming lockout for 2027 and the uncertainty around the number of games could make teams shy away from offering enough value. Kwan is penciled in as the centerfielder for 2027, with guys like Aaron Walton and Jaison Chourio waiting in the wings for their shot in 2028.
The Bubble Players: Who Makes the Cut and Who Doesn’t?
Now, for the real drama: the “unsure tenders.” These are the players whose futures are hanging in the balance, and their decisions will tell us a lot about the team’s direction.
Slade Cecconi, at $2 million, is a prime example. His fate hinges entirely on how the Guardians view him. If he’s just another middle reliever in their eyes, he’s probably either traded or non-tendered. But if they see him as a potential high-leverage arm or, even better, a guy who could get back to starting, then that $2 million makes perfect sense. It’s a gamble, for sure.
Then there’s David Fry, projected at $1.3 million. After two and a half seasons to prove himself as a lefty masher, and mostly falling short, it feels like his time might be up. The team would likely prefer to chase a free agent to fill that “Rhys Hoskins for 2026” role, with names like Ty France, Ryan Mountcastle, Alec Bohm, or even Gary Sanchez tossed around as potential fits. Or, they could see what Kody Huff brings to the table. Fry is probably non-tendered. Matt Festa, a serviceable middle relief arm at $1.5 million, is also likely on the outside looking in. The word is the team wants to use that money to pursue a higher-ceiling relief option.
The Final Goodbyes and What’s Next
Sometimes, the decisions are clear cut. Blake Perkins, at $900K, is a “clear non-tender.” It’s a simple farewell.
As that November 20th deadline looms, these arbitration decisions aren’t just about saving cash, they’re about strategically building the roster for what’s sure to be a wild 2027 season. Every move, every non-tender, every player they keep, sets the stage for how the Guardians will compete. Will they surprise us with a big trade, or stick to the script? We’ll all know by Friday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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