What's Next For Cal Quantrill, Guardians After DFA News?

The Cleveland Guardians have a decision to make after designating Cal Quantrill for assignment.

The Cleveland Guardians made a shocking move on Tuesday night as they designated Cal Quantrill for assignment and reworked their 40-man roster ahead of the rule-five draft. 

Quantrill pitched for Cleveland the last four seasons and became a mainstay in one of baseball's best starting rotations. 

Now, he'll have to find a new home and stadium to pitch at for the 2024 season.

But what comes next for Quantrill and Cleveland? There are a couple of routes they could take.

Place Quantrill On Waivers

One option for the Guardians is to place Quantrill on waivers, leaving it up to the waiver wire to determine his next destination.

If the right-hander does pass through waivers, he will be released and essentially become a free agent, having the opportunity to sign with anyone who wants him.

Quantrill Could Be Traded

A player being DFA'd doesn't immediately mean that they'll hit the waiver wire or be released. 

An organization has seven days from when the transaction takes place to move the player, and that could come in the form of a trade.

Sep 18, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Cal Quantrill (47) delivers against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports / © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Quantrill is still a serviceable pitcher despite his setbacks in 2023. He's only one season removed from a 3.38 ERA, and had a 2.89 mark the year before that. 

Quantrill has also pitched over 400 innings over the last three seasons, and that type of production from a starter isn't found every day.

It's a real possibility a team would be willing to give up a prospect not on the 40-man roster in order to acquire him.