Guardians Trade for Bruihl, Cut Postseason Star Noel in Urgent Move

URGENT UPDATE: The Cleveland Guardians have made a significant roster move, trading for left-hander Justin Bruihl from the Toronto Blue Jays while cutting postseason standout Jhonkensy Noel to create space. This trade was confirmed just hours ago, marking a pivotal moment for the Guardians as they look to bolster their pitching staff.

In this unexpected move, the Guardians received cash considerations from the Blue Jays. The decision comes on the heels of Noel’s memorable performance in the 2024 AL Championship Series, where he hit a crucial two-run homer against the New York Yankees in Game 3, ultimately helping Cleveland secure a thrilling 7-5 victory.

Noel, only 24 years old, struggled throughout the season, finishing with a batting average of .162, six home runs, and 13 RBIs in just 69 games. Over his two-year career with the Guardians, he has a .193 average with 19 home runs and 41 RBIs across 136 games. His elimination from the roster raises questions about the Guardians’ future plans and reflects their commitment to enhancing their competitive edge.

Bruihl, 28, was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier this week to make room for new reliever Tyler Rogers, who recently signed a $37 million, three-year contract. This season, Bruihl recorded a 5.27 ERA in 15 relief appearances. In total, he has a career ERA of 4.72 across 92 relief outings with various teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Blue Jays.

The implications of these roster changes could be substantial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. For the Guardians, acquiring Bruihl may provide the needed depth in the bullpen, while cutting Noel signifies a shift in strategy as they aim for a more consistent performance in 2025.

Expect further updates as this story develops. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the Guardians’ performance in the months ahead.