GOOD NEWS JUST IN: Guardians another high rated key man to League Deal just now

The Guardians have brought back left-hander on a minor league contract, as noted on his MLB.com player profile transactions tracker. The deal was finalized on August 31, making eligible for the postseason if Cleveland adds him back to their 40-man roster.

Hes, now 34, was originally a second-round pick by the Phillies in the 2008 draft. He was once a top-100 prospect as a hitter, having shown promise as a two-way player in high school. However, after struggling offensively in five major league seasons (.240/.309/.348 career slash line), Gose transitioned to pitching. He made a strong return as a reliever with Cleveland in 2021, striking out 37.5% of batters and posting a 1.35 ERA in six appearances.

Since then, Gose has made 24 more appearances for the Guardians, mostly in 2022, when he posted a 4.71 ERA and a 5.06 FIP over 21 innings. While his strikeout rate remained high at 30.4%, he struggled with control, walking 15.2% of batters and giving up four home runs. His comeback was further complicated by Tommy John surgery in September 2022, which caused him to miss the entire 2023 season.

Gose returned to action in 2024, performing well at the Triple-A level with a 3.46 ERA and a 32.9% strikeout rate over 39 innings. Despite this, his two appearances with the Guardians this year were less successful, as he allowed three runs on six hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings, leading to his designation for assignment. Although he initially chose free agency, Gose opted to re-sign with Cleveland on a new minor league deal.

This move allows Gose to remain a depth option for Cleveland’s bullpen as the season concludes, with the possibility of making the postseason roster if he can return to the majors and replicate his strong minor league performance.