Cleveland can negotiate exclusively with the four for now, but Antonetti told reporters Tuesday that it’s unusual for players in their position to agree to extensions at this point, more often than not.

“If they’ve gotten to that point, they’ll go to free agency and see what it’s like,” Antonetti said. “I imagine in a few weeks we’ll not only be engaging them to come back, but others in the market as well.”

Antonetti acknowledged that many factors go into a player’s individual decision about the next chapter of their career, and that the Guardians hope to have created an environment that is attractive to those in their position.

“But there are other things that come into play,” Antonetti said. “Including finances, geography, family preferences and other elements that drive these decisions.”

Manager Stephen Vogt said his message to the four players at the end of the playoffs was that they must first and foremost do what’s best for themselves and their families, recognizing that it is extremely difficult to play more than six years in the major leagues. be in the position they are in.

“Of course we’re going to fight, of course we’re going to work,” Vogt said. “But at the same time, the players have earned the right to do what is best for them and their families, and (we) respect any decision they make.”

Below is a look at the Guardians’ four free agents this offseason.

Shane Bieber

Biber was brilliant in two starts to start the 2024 campaign before succumbing to an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery. He’s been rehabbing throughout the year, but with a recovery time typically 12 to 18 months, it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to compete in a major championship game until June.

In seven seasons with Cleveland, Bieber had some of the most memorable streaks on the mound of any of the franchise’s great pitchers. A unanimous Cy Young and Triple Crown during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, an All-Star Game MVP award at Progressive Field in 2018 and countless double-digit strikeout efforts have made Bieber one of the faces of the franchise for the better part of a decade. .

Bieber avoided arbitration by signing a $13.1 million deal in January. At the time, it seemed like this would be the last contract he would sign with the Guardians. But the injury opened the door for a possible reunion on a deal that could be mutually beneficial for both sides.

“We’d love to have him back,” general manager Mike Chernoff said. “There seemed to be a mutual interest and I think we’ll have to have those conversations with him over the winter.”

One thing that won’t change whether Bieber renews his contract in Cleveland or not is the lasting impact he’s had on the organization, Antonetti said.

“Probably even more important is the impact he had on the people around him,” Antonetti said. “He helped elevate our culture in the clubhouse. It sets the standard for how men do their jobs. I hope he’ll be around to continue this in person, but if not, his impact here will be felt for a long time.

Austin Hurdles

Hedges hit .152 with two homers and 16 RBIs in 146 plate appearances, but his work with Cleveland’s young pitchers and his daily preparation with Bo Naylor and David Fry had a significant impact on the Guardians’ ability to prevent runs. .

His presence in the clubhouse, meanwhile, continues to be the stuff of legends. “His leadership is vocal and energetic,” Vogt said.

Antonetti revealed that before Hedges’ exit interview, he indicated how much the organization would like to have the 10-year veteran back. Antonetti told reporters Tuesday that Hedges had expressed interest in returning.

“Hopefully it’s something we can work on because he’s had a huge impact on our team,” Antonetti said. “He’s another player who helps elevate everyone around him.”

Hedges signed a one-year contract worth $4 million last December. Vogt said he would welcome him back, and not just for his leadership in the clubhouse.

“He’s not just a mascot, he’s a really good player,” Vogt said. “He means so much more to us than any outside source can see. It helps us get better. He helps me get better. He challenges the coaching staff, he challenges his teammates and he brings energy every day.

Matthew Boyd

Boyd appeared in eight regular season games, compiling a 2-2 record and a 2.72 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. The club was 6-2 in games he started. The southpaw made three postseason starts and didn’t earn a decision, but posted a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings with 14 strikeouts and just one earned run allowed.

Boyd’s return to the mound was well documented, but the stability and consistency he brought to Cleveland’s rotation once he rejoined the fray in August was equally remarkable.

Vogt described the 10-year veteran as an “elite human being” and praised him for the leadership he provided.

“He meant more in the sense of helping these young pitchers, helping these young players understand what it takes,” Vogt said. “He’s enjoyed being here and he’s added a ton of value to our team, not just on the mound but in the clubhouse.”

Alex Cobb

Cobb’s run was short-circuited by recurring blister problems that caused him to make only three regular season starts, going 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA.

His start on September 1 against Pittsburgh was brilliant, going six perfect innings before being pierced by a jump grounder by Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the seventh.

Cobb didn’t fare as well in the postseason where he made two starts and allowed a total of five runs in 5 2/3 innings.

If the 37-year-old right-hander still has the fire to compete for a spot in Cleveland’s rotation, a fully healthy Cobb could be an intriguing option.

“Most of the teams that have acquired me over the last few years kind of know the type of pitcher that I am and are OK with the things that I bring and sign me up for that,” Cobb said.

Minor league free agents

Carlos Carrasco, Tyler Beede and Estevan Florial each appeared in games for Cleveland in 2024, but were outrighted to Triple-A Columbus and left off the 40-man roster at the end of the year. All three were voted free agents this week and are not expected to return to the club next season.

Antonetti praised Carrasco for his contributions to the organization for more than a decade.

“Carlos is at that point in his career where he has to think about what comes next and what impact this will have on his family and whether or not he wants to continue playing,” Antonetti said. “But it will always have a special place here.”

Players eligible for Guardian arbitration

The following Guardians players are eligible for arbitration and are under team control until at least 2025. They are listed with their years of service and projected arbitration salaries according to MLBTradeRumors.com, an industry standard source for evaluating numbers throughout the offseason.

• Josh Naylor (5,127): $12 million
• Thomas Way (5.014): $8.3 million
• James Karinchak (4,099): $1.9 million
• Triston McKenzie (4,002): $2.4 million
• Sam Hentges (3,157): $1.4 million
• Nick Sandlin (3,157): $1.6 million
• Eli Morgan (3,091): $1 million
• Steven Kwan (3,000): $4.3 million
• Ben Lively (2,133): $3.2 million

Naylor, Thomas and Kwan aren’t going anywhere unless they’re traded. Sandlin and Morgan are probably in the same boat. But players such as Karinchak, McKenzie and Hentges could find themselves non-tendering candidates before the Nov. 17 deadline if the front office is inclined to try to save a few dollars.

Lively is in a unique position, having become eligible for four years of arbitration through achieving “super two” status based on service time. He is under club control through 2028 and is not a minor league option like McKenzie and Hentges.

Lively’s projected $3.2 million arbitration fee could put him outside of what the club can afford. But the fact that he essentially saved the starting rotation in 2024 when Bieber was lost for the season, and reliable starting pitching is already hard enough to find on the open market as it is, makes him a bit more likely to be back than not. .