One Affordable Free Agent Pitcher The Guardians Could Target

Writer Jimmy Swartz suggests the Cleveland Guardians could target free-agent starting pitcher Walker Buehler as an affordable rotation option this winter. With Foster Griffin expected to command a contract beyond Cleveland's typical budget, the Guardians need dependable innings alongside Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, and Parker Messick. Buehler is coming off a bounce-back 2026 campaign with the San Diego Padres after signing an incentive-laden minor-league deal in February.

Buehler posted a 9-6 record with a 4.63 ERA across 32 starts and 153 2/3 innings in 2026, marking his highest start total since 2021. Swartz argues that Cleveland's pitching development staff could help refine Buehler's arsenal on a short-term, cost-effective contract, similar to past successes with veterans like Ben Lively and Matthew Boyd.