In November, the 32-year-old junis chose a $3 million buyout over his share of a $8 million mutual option with Cincinnati.
With a strong start that enabled them to win 92 games and the AL Central before making it to the AL Championship Series, the Guardians last season surpassed even the most modest expectations.
After trading Josh Naylor to Arizona, the Guardians signed Gold Glove first baseman Carlos Santana to a one-year, $12 million contract earlier this offseason, and they added reliever Paul Sewald to a bullpen led by closer Emmanuel Clase, who was placed on the 60-day injured list. On September 18, left-hander Sam Hentges underwent surgery with Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache to repair the capsule and labrum in his left shoulder, with a 12- to 14-month recovery period anticipated.
