Guardians Reliever Pedro Avila Rejects Outright Assignment to Triple-A, Becomes Free Agent

The Cleveland Guardians outright Pedro Avila to Triple-A Columbus.
May 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Pedro Avila (60) throws during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
May 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Pedro Avila (60) throws during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images / Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
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The Cleveland Guardians have made several shocking moves this offseason. While most of them have been via trade, their latest somewhat surprising decision was to sign free agent RHP Paul Sewald to a one-year deal.

Sewald needed to be added to the 40-man roster, so the Guardians designated RHP Pedro Avila for assignment to make room for the veteran reliever.

Avila cleared waivers earlier on Wednesday, and the Guardians officially outrighted him to the Columbus Clippers (Triple-A). However, Avila rejected the outright assignment, making him a free agent.

This may seem like a minuscule move. However, it's a massive development and a huge hit for Cleveland's overall pitching depth if he does not return.

Pedro Avila (60) reacts after getting the third out
Aug 31, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Pedro Avila (60) reacts after getting the third out during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Avila was a key piece in Cleveland's bullpen a year ago. He finished the season with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. However, these stats don't tell the entire story.

Stephen Vogt used Avila in multiple situations where the game was out of reach, either in favor of the Guardians or on the other side of the coin.

Avila threw 82.2 innings over the season, which was the most on the Guardians and fourth by a reliever in all of baseball. He truly saved a gassed Guardians bullpen on multiple occasions and owned the role as the team's "innings eater."

If the Guardians have the opportunity to bring Avila back into the organization in any capacity, it would be a wise move, considering how much he helped their pitching depth. However, since he was so effective last year, the reliever may be looking for a more consistent role in a bullpen.


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