According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, the Cleveland Guardians have placed center fielder Myles Straw on waivers. This may seem like a shock to some fans, and honestly it was to me, after researching the decision, I have come to the conclusion that this is a smart decision by the Guardians. Moreover, there are several reasons why, they are as follows.
his contract
He is guaranteed roughly $15.5MM over the next 3 years. Over that 3 year span the money would break down this way; $6.4MM this season $7.4MM next season and then he has 2 team options (options where the team gets to decide if they pay him the salary or the buyout) the 2026 season has him with an $8MM salary and a $1.75MM buyout (which is where the total of $15.5 comes from $6,4+$7.4+$1.75) and if that $8MM option is picked up then in 2027 he has a $8.5MM salary with a $500,000 buyout.
his performance
Straw made a strong first impression, hitting .285/.362/.377 with plus defense and excellent baserunning. As far as the entire season went he gave the Guardians a solid .271/.349/.348 or 98 wRC+. Paired with Straw’s lightning speed and glovework, it was enough to convince the defensive minded first Guardians to sign him to a 5 year $25MM contract extension that also included the pair of club options that were defined above.
The past two seasons, he’s turned in a slash line of .229/.296/.284 in 1114 trips to the plate. The decent numbers above were 2% worse than average according to wRC+. The slash line over the last 2 seasons was 30% worse. Not to make Cleveland fans cry, but in order to receive Straw they gave up both catcher Yainer Diaz and right-hander Phil Maton.
On the positive, Myles is a lights-out defender in center with 23 Defensive Runs Saved and 17 Outs Above Average over the past two seasons. He also gives you blazing speed with 41-for-48 in steals since 2022. He has also had a really good spring in 10 games with 32 plate appearances he has 10 hits (3 doubles) 6 RBI’s for a .345 batting average.
putting it all together and why it is “smart”
If a team claims him, that team would then be on the hook for the entire 3 years and roughly $15.5MM. I don’t see a team doing that. Well, then the Guardians lose him and he becomes a free agent, right. Yes, and no. You see here is where the “smart” comes into play. Straw has 4.112 years of MLB service. That time allows him the ability to become a free agent, but since he has yet to accumulate 5 years of MLB service if he does that he forfeits the remaining money left on his contract. There is no way possible he is doing that.
So, the logical outcome here is he takes his money, goes to AAA, loses his 40 man roster spot, and is the richest AAA player in Columbus.
The cost-conscious Guardians may just be trying to give Straw away and would be willing to receive no prospects back knowing that the claiming team will save them $15.5MM in salary.
what will the guardian outfield look like if straw is gone?
2/3rds of the outfield we know, Steven Kwan in right and Ramon Laureano in right. Laureano could man center field. They could also go with Will Brennan, but he has all 3 option years remaining or they could be setting up to go with Estevan Florial who is out of options and would also have to be exposed to waivers, but without the contract that Straw has. The last option is Tyler Freeman, an infielder by trade, but who has also been given reps in center this spring training. Let me also dispel the Chase DeLauter rumors before they get started. He is not an option, they are not going to rush him.
Placing Straw on waivers is smart, especially for a team that needs all the offence they can get. I am sure they are checking the waiver wire every day themselves. Maybe someone releases a center fielder with a little pop in his bat.
The next few days should be interesting. Do you think this move is as smart as I do? Let me know in the comments below.
All stats from MLB Trade Rumors and Baseball Reference
-Ballentine
Photo Credit; Baseball Savant, X, Cleveland.com
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