The innings eater himself is back!
On Sunday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base reported that RHP Pedro Avila and the Cleveland Guardians were in agreement on a deal for the 2026 season. Later in the day, Avila himself posted on social media that he was returning to the Guardians.
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The details of the contract are still unclear, but it’s reported that the deal is a split contract, meaning it’ll have implications for both his time on the minor league roster and his time with the major league team. That said, Avila will still need to be added to the 40-man roster in order to take a spot on the MLB roster.
Cleveland has been saying all offseason how it needs to add depth to the bullpen, and, on top of the other moves the front office has already made, bringing back.
Avila spent the early part of his career with the San Diego Padres, but was traded to Cleveland at the start of the 2024 season. He started as a true innings-eater and long reliever for the Guardians, but Avila soon saw his role grow as he continued to pitch scoreless innings of relief.
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By the time the playoffs rolled around, Avila was a key piece in what was easily the best bullpen in baseball almost two years ago.
Overall, during the 2024 campaign, Avila logged a 3.25 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP with the Guardians. He even came in clutch, throwing four scoreless innings during the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.
Jun 30, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Pedro Avila (60) pitches during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Cleveland designated Avila for assignment earlier this year on January 22. Initially, the Guardians outrighted Avila to Triple-A Columbus, but the pitcher rejected that assignment and became an unrestricted free agent.
The 28-year-old spent the 2025 season pitching overseas for the Yakult Swallows, logging a 4.04 ERA in 82.1 innings pitched.
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With Avila already having proved himself as a quality MLB pitcher, the Guardians have certainly accomplished their task of adding depth to the bullpen. Now, it’s all about seeing what moves Cleveland’s front office can make to upgrade the lineup before spring training starts, and soon after that, Opening Day.