The Cleveland Guardians are bringing back an old friend after a year spent in Japan.
It's a move that should also be a boost to the Cleveland bullpen.
On Sunday, the Guardians reached a free agent contract agreement with right-handed reliever Pedro Avila. The deal was reported by Daniel Alvarez-Montes.
Avila will pitch the upcoming season at 29 years old.
He threw for the Guardians in 2024, when he tossed 74.2 innings and had a 3.50 ERA.
In 2025, Avila left for Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He pitched for the Yakult Swallows.
In NPB, Avila threw 82.1 innings and had a 4.04 ERA.
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The Guardians could likely still use some additions to the batting lineup in free agency. But they've started to sign a few under-the-radar pitchers who could help them in secondary roles in 2026.
There are surely still moves to come. But it's a nice get to bring Avila back after his year spent across the Pacific.
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