Cleveland Guardians Sign Ben Lively to One-Year Deal, Make Roster Moves Ahead of Deadline
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians finalized a one-year contract with right-hander Ben Lively just ahead of Friday’s 8 p.m. deadline. The veteran pitcher, who played a vital role in maintaining the team’s rotation last season, will earn $2.25 million, a figure above the league minimum yet below his projected arbitration estimate of $3.2 million.
Lively, who previously signed for slightly more than the minimum last December, ended the last season with an impressive record of 13-10 and a 3.81 ERA across 29 starts. His performance included setting career highs in both innings pitched and starts, having never previously exceeded 15 games in a major league season.
In addition to Lively’s signing, the Guardians traded right-hander Peter Strzelecki to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. Strzelecki was designated for assignment earlier in the week as the team prepared its 40-man roster for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft in December. Strzelecki, who was acquired from the Diamondbacks in March, appeared in 10 games for Cleveland, registering a solid 2.31 ERA.
Cleveland also reached agreements to avoid arbitration with right-hander Triston McKenzie, who signed for $1.95 million, and left-hander Sam Hentges at $1,377,500. However, Hentges will not pitch in 2025 due to his recovery from shoulder surgery. The team aimed to secure contracts for various arbitration-eligible players but fell short on deals for Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, Lane Thomas, and Nick Sandlin.
The Guardians’ management has adopted a "file or trial" approach for arbitration cases, meaning unresolved negotiations will go to an arbitration panel for resolution. Currently, the Guardians’ 40-man roster stands at 39 players. The next significant date on the calendar is January 9, when teams and players will exchange salary figures for the upcoming year.
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Photo credit www.cleveland.com
