Guardians Sign Pedro Avila to Bolster Bullpen Depth

The Cleveland Guardians quietly boosted their pitching depth by bringing a familiar arm back into the fold. They agreed to a one-year split contract with right-hander Pedro Avila.

This move shows Cleveland’s focus on roster flexibility and reliable bullpen and swingman options as they get ready for the upcoming season.

Guardians Reunite With Pedro Avila on a Split Contract

The Guardians and Avila reached a one-year split deal, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extrabase. The exact salary numbers at both the major- and minor-league levels haven’t come out, but the contract’s structure says a lot.

A split deal usually lets a team manage roster moves more easily while making sure the player gets guaranteed pay. For Cleveland, this isn’t about star power—it’s about keeping depth with a pitcher they know pretty well.

Avila, who turns 29 next month, brings low risk and some upside as a flexible arm who can help in a few different roles.

A Pitcher Who Took the International Detour

Avila’s road back to Cleveland wasn’t straightforward. Less than a year ago, the Guardians designated him for assignment, which raised some eyebrows because his on-field performance was solid.

Since he had no minor-league options left, Avila became a tough roster fit and ended up heading overseas. Signing with Japan’s Yakult Swallows gave him a productive stop.

In 15 appearances in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League, Avila pitched 82 1/3 innings with a 4.04 ERA. Advanced stats looked even better, with a 3.09 FIP and a 3.38 xFIP.

Breaking Down Avila’s Performance in Japan

Avila didn’t overpower hitters in Japan, but he showed a more refined approach. He focused on efficiency and managing contact.

His strikeout rate was a modest 17.8 percent, but he made up for it with strong command and a knack for getting ground balls.

These traits fit well with Cleveland’s pitching philosophy, which values control, sequencing, and limiting walks.

Those numbers hint that Avila can stay effective even without elite velocity, especially in long relief or spot starts.

Avila’s MLB Track Record Tells a Reliable Story

The Washington Nationals originally signed Avila in 2015. He made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2019 and spent most of his early big-league time there.

He never projected as a frontline starter, but his value grew as he handled different roles well.

Avila’s best MLB stretch came in 2023, when he put up a 3.22 ERA and 3.67 FIP over 50 1/3 innings in a breakout utility role. That momentum rolled into 2024 with Cleveland, where he gave them dependable long relief.

Why Cleveland Cut Him — and Why He’s Back

In 2024, Avila threw 74 2/3 innings for the Guardians and finished with a 3.25 ERA and 3.76 FIP. By the numbers, that’s a strong season.

Cleveland’s decision to let him go last winter confused plenty of people, but roster mechanics played a bigger part.

Since Avila was out of minor-league options, keeping him made it hard for the Guardians to shuttle arms between Triple-A and the majors. The new split contract helps solve that by lowering his appeal on waivers while letting Cleveland keep him as a 40-man depth option.

A Smart Depth Move for the Guardians

This reunion probably won’t grab headlines, but it fits right in with Cleveland’s usual playbook. They love snagging reliable pitchers, keeping things flexible, and leaning on their development system.

Avila gets some security here, plus a pretty clear shot back to the majors. The Guardians are making another calculated bet, hoping it pays off as the season drags on.

 
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