Sports · Baseball · 4 hrs ago
Guardians Add Milan Tolentino and Decline Options on Two Pitchers
The Cleveland Guardians added infielder Milan Tolentino to their roster, while declining options on pitchers Trevor Stephan and Shawn Armstrong.
Tolentino, a 2020 draft pick, has spent the past two seasons at Triple-A, where he hit 42 home runs but struck out often and produced a league-average overall batting line.
He can play shortstop, second base and third base, but faces competition for a spot in Cleveland's infield and could return to Triple-A.
The roster move also keeps Tolentino from qualifying for minor league free agency.
The Guardians declined Trevor Stephan's 2027 club option after injuries and poor results; he becomes a free agent and is expected to be limited to minor league offers.
They also declined their end of Shawn Armstrong's mutual option, and Armstrong returns to free agency after an injury-interrupted season that ended with strong postseason outings.
The Cleveland Guardians selected infielder Milan Tolentino’s contract and declined options on pitchers Trevor Stephan and Shawn Armstrong.
Tolentino, 24 and turning 25 next month, was a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft and has spent the past two years at Triple-A.
Adding Tolentino to the roster appears to prevent him from qualifying for minor league free agency.
Stephan’s $7.25 million club option for 2027 was declined, with a $1.25 million buyout.
The Guardians also declined their end of a mutual option with Armstrong, who now returns to free agency.
- Who
- The Cleveland Guardians, infielder Milan Tolentino, and pitchers Trevor Stephan and Shawn Armstrong.
- What
- The Guardians selected Tolentino’s contract and declined options on Stephan and Armstrong.
- When
- October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Cleveland. The source does not state a specific location for the transactions.
- Why
- Adding Tolentino appears to prevent him from qualifying for minor league free agency. The Guardians declined Stephan’s option after poor results and Armstrong’s option as the expected outcome.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cleveland selected Tolentino in the fourth round of the draft.
Stephan required Tommy John surgery.
Stephan returned to the mound but posted a 9.99 ERA in the minors over those seasons.
The Guardians selected Tolentino’s contract and declined options on Stephan and Armstrong.
- Tolentino's age
- 25 next month
- Tolentino's draft
- Fourth round, 2020
- Tolentino's Triple-A batting line
- .221/.321/.445 over the past two years
- Stephan's 2027 option
- $7.25 million, with a $1.25 million buyout
- Armstrong's 2026 ERA
- 4.58 in 35 1/3 innings