Guardians free agent pitcher could get this contract

It’s hard to imagine how Cleveland Guardians would have made it through the 2024 regular season, let alone the playoffs, if they hadn’t made the starting rotation midyear.

The front office took a flyer on veteran pitcher Matthew Boyd, who was still recovering from Tommy John surgery. He became the anchor of Cleveland’s rotation for the rest of the season and was their number two pitcher in the playoffs.

However, this was an agreement for only one year. Boyd is now a free agent and will likely attract a lot of interest on the open market based on how he rebounded and performed in the postseason last season.

MLB analyst and insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted that Boyd would earn a one-year, $10 million contract through the 2025 season.

“Matthew Boyd has really increased his value in the postseason as he has a 0.77 ERA in three starts (11 2/3 innings),” Bowden wrote. “With a deceptive pitch and an arsenal that includes a fastball, changeup and slider, Boyd commands the strike zone well, adding and subtracting unique shapes and sizes. He underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023, but now appears healthy and in good spirits. “

If this is indeed the deal Boyd gets done this summer, Guardian should be first in line to offer him it. There are still holes and unknowns in Cleveland’s starting rotation, and they will have to add that depth over the winter.

Boyd was not only an effective pitcher on the mound, but also seemed to provide a reliable presence in the locker room. He originally chose the Guardians because of how tight-knit a group they were.

Re-signing Boyd at this price should be an easy move for Cleveland this offseason.