3 Cleveland Guardians Who Won't Return in 2027

The Cleveland Guardians had a nice late-season run, stealing the AL Central Division from the season-long leaders, the Chicago White Sox. They then went on to knock off the ChiSox again, this time in the American League Division Series.

But the Cinderella run ended in the ALCS, as they fell in six games to the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Now come the preparations for 2027. There will be changes in Cleveland, and let's have a look at three Guardians who most likely will not be back next season.

Rhys Hoskins, 1B/OF/DH

The Guardians took a flyer on the former 30-home run hitter, when they signed him to a minor league deal during spring training, following his two-year stint with the Milwaukee Brewers.

He made a valiant return from a torn ACL in 2024, banging 26 long balls for the Brewers. But his play has fallen back off, and with Cleveland, he mustered up a mere .179 average in 317 plate appearances, with just 13 homers and a .682 OPS. He will be allowed to walk into free agency.

David Fry, Utility

Fry came out of nowhere in 2024 to notch an All-Star appearance in a surprising season. But he was forced to undergo his second Tommy John-related surgery at the end of that season, and the catcher/outfielder/first baseman/DH hasn't been the same since. He batted just .177 upon his return at midseason in 2025, and it wasn't much better this year, with a .201 mark and eight homers. There is some thought he could be non-tendered. 

Nathaniel Lowe, 1B

The veteran first baseman, 31, was a so-so contributor in his time with Cleveland after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline. He chipped in 27 RBIs in 43 games, but his .226 average and .650 OPS didn't impress anyone, and as a free agent, it's likely that the Guardians will go with younger, promising alternatives at first rather than pay Lowe what he'll be looking for.