5 recently non-tendered players Guardians must pursue for 2026 roster

Last Friday the MLB offseason kicked into high-gear with the non-tender deadline, which resulted in a bevy of players becoming free agents due to their team deciding not to tender them a roster for 2026. 

And while some of the players cut loose are destined to sign minor league deals or head overseas to continue their playing career, there were still plenty of useful players cut loose because of situations out of their control. 

The Guardians have a golden opportunity to nab some of those useful players thanks to the two free 40-man roster spots they opened up after non-tendering Will Brennan and Sam Hentges. So, with that mind, here's a look at five recently non-tendered players who should be on the front office's radar.

These non-tendered players could help the Guardians in 2026 

OF Jake Fraley 

Fraley, 30, was non-tendered by the Rays less than two weeks after the club acquired him off waivers from the Braves. He was projected to make $3.6 million via arbitration a year after hitting .241 in 76 games with the Reds and Braves (the Rays are reportedly interested in bringing him back on a cheaper contract). 

His best season came in 2023 when he hit 15 home runs with 65 RBI in 111 games with the Reds, though his ceiling in MLB has been limited by injuries, as he’s dealt with wrist, toe, knee oblique, calf and shoulder issues over the past four seasons. 

Nolan Jones will seemingly get another shot at being the everyday right fielder after the Guardians inked him to a $2 million contract for 2026, but Fraley would be a solid bench option who has some pop and ranked as an above-average right fielder in the past three seasons. 

OF Adolis García

Two years ago, García was coming off a stellar season where he won ALCS MVP during the Rangers’ run toward a World Series title. Now he’s a free agent after the Rangers didn’t tender him a contract at last week’s deadline. 

While García’s numbers have taken a dip in the two seasons since he won ALCS MVP, he’s still driven in 160 runs since the start of 2024 while also boasting the kind of power the Guardians desperately need from an outfielder. 

García’s an expensive option (he was projected to make $12 million through arbitration), but he'll likely have to settle for a little less in free agency, which means he could end up in the Guardians' price range.

RHP Evan Phillips 

Another former World Series champion who has fallen on hard times, Phillips racked up double-digit saves for the Dodgers in 2023 and ‘24 before undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. 

Phillips recorded a 2.22 ERA with 45 saves in 201 relief appearances with the Dodgers from 2021 to ‘25, and was projected to earn $6.1 million in his last run through arbitration. 

The Guardians have already proven they’re arguably the gold standard at rehabbing injured pitchers, and Phillips would be a worthwhile investment given what he could bring to the bullpen.

While there’s always the chance that his rehab could sputter out in the same way that John Means’ did in 2025, Phillips stands out as a perfect buy-low option. 

RHP Albert Suárez

After pitching two seasons with the Giants in 2016 and ‘17, Suárez spent five seasons pitching across Korea and Japan before making his return to MLB with the Orioles in 2024. 

And what a return it was, as he posted a 3.70 ERA over 133 2/3 innings while being the team’s second-most valuable pitcher behind Corbin Burnes (based on bWAR). 

That storybook return hit a bit of a snag last year, however, as he suffered a right shoulder injury that limited him to just five appearances. 

That said, he’s expected to avoid surgery, and could begin a throwing program in a few weeks. Suárez has proven that he can be a valuable swingman option, which makes him an attractive target for a Guardians team that needs a bit more pitching depth. 

OF Mike Tauchman

Tauchman being on this list is a bit surprising given that he’s coming off a strong season with the White Sox where he did well on the field (.263 average, nine home runs) and emerged as a leader in the clubhouse. 

But Chicago’s loss could be Cleveland’s gain, as the 34-year-old stands out as one of the top platoon options in the free agent market. 

Not only has Tauchman posted an OPS+ above 100 in all three of the seasons he’s played in since returning from a stint in Korea, but he’s also hit .255 against right-handed pitching. 

The Guardians seem set to turn the keys in the outfield over to Chase DeLauter and George Valera, but Tauchman presents some value as a bench bat and/or platoon partner to Jones.