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Guardians’ Rule 5 Draft agenda should be clear this offseason (if the draft actually happens)

The Guardians need to make sure they protect Kody Huff in this year's Rule 5 Draft.

By Henry Palattella · Away Back Gone

Published: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 2:25 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Henry Palattella argues the Cleveland Guardians should prioritize protecting catcher Kody Huff in the Rule 5 Draft.
Huff hit 23 home runs with an .888 OPS in 120 Triple-A games during the 2026 season.
The writer views Huff as the heir apparent to backup catcher Austin Hedges, who faces free agency.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Away Back Gone's Henry Palattella argues that the Cleveland Guardians must prioritize protecting catcher Kody Huff ahead of the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. Huff, who was originally acquired from the Colorado Rockies for Cal Quantrill following the 2023 season, posted an impressive .888 OPS with 23 home runs and 81 RBIs in 120 Triple-A games during the 2026 campaign.

Palattella suggests Huff is the natural candidate to take over Cleveland's backup catcher role as Austin Hedges faces free agency. However, the writer notes that an impending Major League Baseball lockout scheduled for December 1 could lead to the cancellation of the Rule 5 Draft altogether.

Read the full article on Away Back Gone

Guardians’ Rule 5 Draft agenda should be clear this offseason (if the draft actually happens)

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