CLEVELAND, Ohio — Right-hander Shawn Armstrong is returning to Cleveland.
Armstrong has agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a mutual option for 2027. The Guardians drafted Armstrong in the 18th round in 2011. He pitched in parts of three seasons with Cleveland, making his big-league debut in 2015.
While an agreement is in place, Armstrong still needs to complete a physical to make it official.
The well-traveled Armstrong, 35, has pitched with Tampa Bay, St. Louis, the Cubs and Texas since 2024. He spent last season with the Rangers, going 4-3 with a 2.31 ERA in 71 games. Armstrong, who saved nine games, struck out 74 and walked 20 in 74 innings.
Armstrong is the latest arm added by the Guardians as they strengthen their bullpen. On Wednesday, they acquired lefty Justin Bruihl for cash in a trade with Toronto after he was designated for assignment.
They’ve also signed free agents Connor Bragdon and Colin Holderman. In the Rule 5 Draft, they selected Peyton Pallette, another reliever, from the White Sox’s unprotected list.
The Guardians have to clear space on the 40-man roster to add Armstrong, but that move has not been announced.
Armstrong has played with eight big-league teams, including two tours with the Rays. The Guardians traded him to Seattle for international bonus pool money in December 2017. After the Mariners, he played for Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Miami, St. Louis, the Cubs and Texas.
The 6-2, 225-pound Armstrong is 15-11 with a 3.82 ERA in 370 games. He has 434 strikeouts, 140 walks and 379 hits allowed in 421 innings.
Armstrong is averaging 3.0 walks and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.
Last season, right-handers hit .113 (18 for 160) and left-handers .234 (22 for 94) against him.