Cleveland signs intriguing reliever to $1.5 million deal
The The Cleveland Guardians made it to the playoffs three of the last four seasons. As they look to make another postseason run, the Guardians have made an addition to their bench.
Cleveland signed right-hander Colin Holderman to a one-year contract, via Zach Meisel of the Athletics. He will earn $1.5 million.
Holderman joins the Guardians after spending the last four seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that frame, the righty posted a 4.39 ERA and a 138/68 K/BB ratio. But for all the good he did in Pittsburgh, Holderman is coming off a tough 2025 campaign.
Over his 24 appearances, the 30-year-old registered a 7.01 ERA and an 18/16 K/BB ratio. Holderman struggled with knee and thumb injuries throughout the campaign, which undoubtedly affected his performance. However, the Pirates decided to designate him for assignment before the season ends.
Keepers gamble Holderman to recover from the injury afterwards. He looked solid during the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. In 2023, he had a 3.86 ERA and a 58/20 K/BB ratio. Holderman followed that up by posting a 3.16 ERA and 56/25 K/BB ratio in 2024.
Cleveland’s bullpen ranked third in MLB with a 3.44 ERA. Big changes are planned in the background after the gambling controversy of Emmanuel Klass. But if the Rangers want to be competitive again in 2026, they will need their pen to remain one of their strengths.
Holderman won’t take Cleveland to the top by himself. But he’s a sensible addition as the Guardians search for a spark. At just $1.5 million, the franchise didn’t have to break the bank. And if Holderman is able to return to form before 2025, the Guardians will have found a diamond in the rough.
2025-12-11 22:21:00
