Guardians Say Goodbye to 6-Year Veteran Pitcher in Free Agency Move

The Cleveland Guardians are undergoing significant roster changes. During this transition, the organization says goodbye to Carlos Hernández, a seasoned pitcher with six years of experience. Hernández, who joined Cleveland on a waiver claim in July, has opted for free agency.
Guardians Say Goodbye to Veteran Pitcher
Carlos Hernández, 28, has decided to test the waters of free agency after the conclusion of the Guardians’ postseason. Known for his electric pitching, Hernández boasts a fastball that surpasses 100 mph. However, his performance has not consistently met expectations, leading to fluctuations in his career.
Free Agency Move and Career Statistics
- Current Age: 28
- Career ERA: 5.14 over 256 1/3 innings
- Appearances in 2023 Season: 41 games
- ERA in 2023 Season: 6.23
This season, Hernández found himself pitching in varied teams, starting with the Kansas City Royals but missing their opening day roster. His journey continued through the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers before landing with the Guardians. His stint with Cleveland saw him pitching briefly with Triple-A Columbus and later seeking free agency.
Hernández’s Quest for a New Team
The MLB rules allow players outside the 40-man roster, like Hernández, to explore minor-league free agency earlier. This sparked Hernández’s decision to look for fresh opportunities. Despite challenges, his potential for delivering triple-digit speeds keeps his prospects alive, albeit under dwindling opportunity windows.
As the Guardians move forward, securing Hernández for the upcoming season remains a possibility if negotiations align. Meanwhile, other MLB teams may see value in his extraordinary pitching speed despite his fluctuating performance.