Which 4 Cleveland Guardians players are out of minor league options?

4. Ben Lively - Starting Pitcher

Unlike the previous two names on this list, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively is probably the only one whose roster spot is at least somewhat secure. The Guardians are a team that clearly has a need for starting pitching, and Lively was able to provide them with something that most of the others who started games in Cleveland struggled with. Availability.

Lively pitched 151 innings across 29 starts last season, both being the second-most behind Cleveland's leader in both categories, Tanner Bibee (173.2 innings pitched in 31 starts). It was a breakout season of sorts for the 32-year-old Lively, finishing the season with a 3.81 ERA, 1.245 WHIP, and 7.0 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. The ERA and WHIP posted by Lively in 2024 were career-bests and a possible sign that he may have figured out how to be a major league pitcher with his particular skill set.

The only real concern for the soon-to-be 33-year-old is that 2024 could have very well been an outlier, as his overall effectiveness on the mound waned as last season progressed. Lively's ERA increased by just over a run in his final 11 starts, going from 3.44 in his first 18 starts to 4.53. This is something to keep a close eye on because if his performance is more similar to the end of last season and not the beginning, his time with the Guardians in 2025 could be limited, even if they find themselves in a spot lacking quality options.