Bold headline: A blockbuster trade reshapes both rosters, with strategic moves and surprising cuts in play.
Left-hander Justin Bruihl was dealt Wednesday from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Cleveland Guardians, who, in a separate roster decision, released 2024 postseason standout Jhonkensy Noel to create room. Toronto received cash considerations in the deal.
Noel, who had been designated for assignment, delivered a dramatic moment in the ALCS: a two-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning off Luke Weaver in Game 3 against the Yankees, a 7-5 Guardians win that was sealed by David Fry’s 10th-inning homer.
In 2024, Noel batted .162 with six homers and 13 RBIs in 69 games. Across two regular seasons with Cleveland, he posted a .193 average, 19 homers, and 41 RBIs in 136 games.
Bruihl, 28, was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Monday to free a roster spot for reliever Tyler Rogers, who agreed to a $37 million, three-year deal. Bruihl recorded a 5.27 ERA over 15 relief appearances this season.
Historically, Bruihl carries a cumulative 4.72 ERA across 92 relief appearances with stints for the Dodgers (2021-23), Colorado (2023), Pittsburgh (2024), and Toronto (2025).
Related updates
- Guardians sign Colin Holderman to a $1.5 million, 1-year contract
- Ex-Guardians reliever Sam Hentges agrees on a $1.4 million, 1-year deal with the Giants
- Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz face a May trial date in a gambling case
Thoughts for readers
This trade highlights how teams balance immediate bullpen needs with potential upside from veterans and prospects. Noel’s late-crisis bat demonstrated both the volatility and drama of postseason rosters, while Bruihl’s move to Cleveland provides another left-handed depth option for a bullpen that has trusted pieces. Do you think the Guardians correctly prioritized bullpen depth over keeping Noel? How should teams assess value when a veteran contributor shows postseason spark but carries uncertain long-term upside? Share your take in the comments.
