Additional Guardians 40-Man Roster Players Attending 2024 Guards Fest
With the Cleveland Guardians’ annual Guards Fest just eight days away, many fans are looking forward to interacting with many players on the team’s 40-man roster at the event.
Back on December 19, December 21, and this past Saturday, the team previously announced groups of 40-man roster players who will be in attendance on January 20.
On Friday, the Guardians announced another group of eight such players who will be at this year’s Guards Fest.
Here is a breakdown of the latest list of players confirmed to attend the event.
José Ramírez
The five-time All-Star third baseman had yet another productive season last year, leading the team in batting average (.282), hits (172), doubles (36, tied), home runs (24), and OPS (.831).
He also added 80 RBI and 28 stolen bases, and was named an American League All-Star, Silver Slugger Award Finalist, and Gold Glove Award finalist.
Sep 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (21) celebrates after hitting an RBI double during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Triston McKenzie
The 26-year-old starting pitcher is one of the key members of Cleveland’s starting rotation. While multiple injuries limited him to just four starts last season, his first start of the year was one of the best of his career.
On June 4 against the Minnesota Twins, McKenzie pitched five shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk, and throwing 10 strikeouts. In his last full season in 2022, the right-hander went 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA, 190 strikeouts, a 0.95 WHIP, and a .201 opposing batting average.
Myles Straw
The 29-year-old center fielder won his second consecutive AL Gold Glove Award for his strong defensive performance in 2023.
Offensively, Straw hit .238 with 110 hits, 18 doubles, 29 RBI, and 20 stolen bases last year.
Trevor Stephan
The 28-year-old relief pitcher made 71 appearances last season, which ranked second on the team.
Stephan ultimately went 7-7 with a 4.06 ERA, two saves, a career-high 28 holds, 75 strikeouts, and a 1.30 WHIP.
Sam Hentges
The 27-year-old relief pitcher made 56 appearances for Cleveland last season.
Hentges went 3-2 with a 3.61 ERA, a career-high 17 holds, 56 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP.
Ramón Laureano
After being claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics in early August of last season, the 29-year-old outfielder had a productive last 41 games with the Guardians.
Laureano hit .243 with 33 hits, eight doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, four stolen bases, and a .724 OPS. This performance led to Cleveland signing him to a one-year contract for the 2024 season.
Tim Herrin
The 27-year-old relief pitcher made his Major League debut with the Guardians last season.
Herrin made 23 appearances, going 1-1 with a 5.53 ERA, 32 strikeouts, one hold, and a 1.48 WHIP.
In his MLB debut against the Seattle Mariners on April 2, he became the first pitcher since 1893 to face at least four hitters in his MLB debut and strike each of them out.
Angel Martínez
The 21-year-old infielder is currently Cleveland’s 10th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and was named a 2023 Guardians Organization All-Star.
Last year, Martínez hit .251 with 132 hits, 23 doubles, 14 home runs, 79 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and a .715 OPS across Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus.
