Guardians Acquire Lefty Bruihl from Blue Jays, Release Noel

The Cleveland Guardians made another subtle but telling roster move, picking up left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations. They also designated power-hitting corner bat Jhonkensy Noel for assignment.

This move really highlights Cleveland’s current priorities. They want to shore up a bullpen that’s been stretched thin, even if it means saying goodbye to a postseason hero whose regular-season numbers never quite matched his promise.

Guardians Target Bullpen Stability with Justin Bruihl

The Guardians have always put a premium on run prevention. Their decision to bring in another lefty for the bullpen isn’t random—it’s pretty intentional.

The front office seems to view bullpen depth as a necessity, especially with the American League getting more competitive by the day.

Who Is Justin Bruihl?

Bruihl, a 28-year-old lefty, lands in Cleveland after Toronto designated him for assignment earlier this week. The Blue Jays needed a roster spot to finalize reliever Tyler Rogers’ three-year, $37 million deal, so Bruihl ended up as the odd man out.

In his 2025 season, Bruihl posted a 5.27 ERA in 15 relief appearances. Those numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, but the Guardians clearly see something beyond just the stats.

Career Track Record Across Multiple Clubs

Since debuting in 2021, Bruihl has quietly built a journeyman résumé. He’s put up a 4.72 ERA over 92 relief outings with the Dodgers, Rockies, Pirates, and Blue Jays.

He’s pitched for both contenders and rebuilders, so Cleveland gets a left-handed reliever who’s seen a bit of everything—different roles, leagues, and pressure situations.

For a Guardians team that likes to play matchups late in games, Bruihl brings:

Jhonkensy Noel DFA: A Tough Call on a Postseason Hero

Let’s be honest—the price for that bullpen depth stings a little. Jhonkensy Noel isn’t just another name off the 40-man roster; he’s got a spot in recent Guardians postseason memories.

Noel’s ALCS Moment vs. the Yankees

Noel’s big moment came in the 2024 AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees. He hit a dramatic two-run homer in the ninth inning of Game 3.

That swing changed the game and, for a minute, the series momentum. Cleveland fans won’t forget it anytime soon.

Regular-Season Struggles Caught Up with Him

But the regular-season production just never showed up consistently. In the 2025 regular season, Noel hit only .162 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in 69 games.

Over two seasons with Cleveland, he posted a .193 batting average with 19 homers and 41 RBIs in 136 games. There’s plenty of raw power, but these days, teams want more roster flexibility and on-base skills than just the occasional long ball.

The Guardians chose to prioritize bullpen certainty over a bat that’s still developing. By designating Noel for assignment, they put him on waivers and risk losing him to a team willing to take a chance on his upside.

Why This Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams

Both clubs addressed specific needs with this move, and neither took much risk. No prospects changed hands, no big contracts—just a low-key deal that probably won’t make national headlines but could actually matter over the long season.

Guardians: Prioritizing Pitching Depth

Cleveland’s focus here is clear: strengthen a crucial part of their roster. A reliable bullpen can cover for cold bats, rescue young starters, and swing those tight, one-run games.

Bruihl doesn’t have to be a star closer. He just needs to be a steady hand in the middle or late innings. The Guardians clearly still believe in run prevention as their calling card, and the bullpen remains right at the heart of that plan.

Blue Jays: Financial and Roster Flexibility

On Toronto’s side, the return of cash considerations makes sense given their recent bullpen spending. With Tyler Rogers locked in on a hefty three-year deal, the Blue Jays needed a roster spot and a bit of financial breathing room.

Moving Bruihl checks both boxes. It clears space for their new high-leverage arm and keeps the books a little tidier.

This trade really shows what both teams care about right now. Cleveland’s giving up a power bat that hasn’t always clicked, hoping to patch up its pitching. Toronto, meanwhile, turns a surplus arm into flexibility and a bit of cash.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Guardians add reliever Bruihl from Jays, cut Noel