In 2025, the Cleveland Guardians faced a serious challenge when standout relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were placed on leave due to allegations of gambling. Clase, who had maintained an impressive 3.23 ERA before his suspension on July 28, and Ortiz, sidelined just days later, left a significant void in the bullpen. The sudden absence of two of the team’s strongest pitchers raised questions about how the Guardians would adjust and whether their season could survive such a blow. Despite this upheaval, the Guardians managed to hold their ground and rebuild, setting the stage for a hopeful spring training in 2026.
GM Mike Chernoff Reflects on Team’s Resilience and Response
Guardians General Manager Mike Chernoff expressed a mixture of frustration and pride regarding the fallout from the gambling charges. Though visibly upset by the situation, Chernoff was impressed by the team’s collective attitude and performance in the aftermath. He highlighted how the clubhouse channelled their anger into motivation, transforming adversity into a testament of fortitude and commitment.
“Our guys were pissed. They were not happy. Still, every time I read anything about it, I cringe… The players and Vogt obviously did a tremendous job. And I won’t doubt that Vogt is a huge part of that. From the day Clase was suspended through the end of the season, we had the number one bullpen in baseball, which, to me, tells you everything you didn’t need to know. You lose the guy who was maybe the highest-performing closer in all of baseball, and everybody just stepped up and performed even better.”
Mike Chernoff, Guardians GM
Chernoff emphasized that the Guardians maintain a strict stance against gambling, underscoring the importance of integrity within the team. The suspensions sent shockwaves through the clubhouse, but the organization’s priority remained focused on maintaining ethical standards and not allowing the distractions to affect team cohesion or performance.
Unexpected Team Dynamics After the Midseason Suspensions
Clase’s suspension was especially impactful given his extraordinary track record, posting an exceptional 0.62 ERA and accumulating 157 saves from 2021 through 2024. Ortiz also had been a consistent contributor. Their abrupt exit was a substantial challenge for the Guardians, but surprisingly, the team’s bullpen did not merely survive—it thrived. After August 2025, the Guardians climbed to the third-best bullpen ranking in Major League Baseball with a 3.44 ERA. This turnaround signaled a rallying point for both players and coaching staff.
Manager Stephen Vogt drew commendations for orchestrating the bullpen’s transformation. Chernoff credited Vogt alongside the players themselves for the remarkable rebound and persistence throughout the difficult stretch.
Reinforced Bullpen Set to Compete Strongly in 2026
Heading into the 2026 season, the Guardians continued their commitment to strengthening their bullpen despite already fielding a dominant relief corps the previous year. Cleveland signed more than six new relievers during the offseason, creating competition and depth heading into spring training.
Two notable additions are Colin Holderman and Connor Brogdon, each signed to one-year contracts. Both pitchers struggled in 2025—Holderman posted a 7.01 ERA in 24 appearances, and Brogdon recorded a 5.55 ERA across 43 games. However, prior to those struggles, Holderman demonstrated a 3.52 ERA over 2023 and 2024, while Brogdon boasted a 3.51 ERA from 2021 to 2023. Their histories suggest Cleveland hopes to revive their effectiveness as key bullpen arms.
The returning bullpen core features dependable pitchers such as Cade Smith, with a solid 2.93 ERA, and the standout Erik Sabrowski, who maintained an outstanding 1.84 ERA. Joining them are Hunter Gaddis (3.11 ERA) and Tim Herrin, who is aiming to improve on his 4.85 ERA and earn a central role in this year’s bullpen.
Guardians’ Future Bullpen Outlook and Team Culture
The Guardians’ ability to adapt to the loss of two crucial pitchers without losing competitiveness reflects a resilient clubhouse culture. Mike Chernoff’s emphasis on discipline and ethics sets a tone that no circumstance will excuse breaches of team standards, even while demanding full support of players and staff in difficult times.
As the Guardians proceed through spring training, the increased competition among relievers could intensify performance levels, cementing the depth needed to face the challenges of the MLB season. Having risen to number one in bullpen rankings in the latter part of 2025, the team aims to maintain that momentum despite losing key contributors.
This turnaround following the Emmanuel Clase Guardians comeback saga highlights not only the team’s pitching depth but also its mental toughness and organizational resilience. The Guardians’ bullpen in 2026 appears poised to be both formidable and tightly knit, signaling hopeful prospects for the season ahead despite last year’s disruptions.
"Our guys were pissed. Still, every time I read anything about it, I cringe."
Guardians GM Mike Chernoff is incredibly proud of how the team bounced back after Emmanuel Clase's alleged pitch-rigging surfaced. pic.twitter.com/ZFNETJmTpu
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 18, 2026
