In an offseason move that raises eyebrows, Colin Holderman, one of the most valuable non-tenders in the MLB this year, has signed with the Cleveland Guardians on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. The right-handed reliever, who was non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates after a tumultuous 2025 season, now heads to Cleveland with an opportunity to regain his previous form and provide a boost to the Guardians’ bullpen.
Holderman’s journey to Cleveland started in unexpected fashion. Despite a rocky 2025 season filled with injuries, the 30-year-old righty showed enough promise over the previous years to raise some eyebrows when Pittsburgh decided to part ways with him. The Pirates made the decision not to tender him a contract for 2026, marking the end of his time in Pittsburgh. However, it seems the Guardians saw something in Holderman that could help them bolster their bullpen.
In 2025, Holderman’s numbers took a dive. He finished the year with a 7.01 ERA in 24 appearances, marred by injuries to his knee and thumb that limited his effectiveness. This stark drop in performance was enough to make Pittsburgh hesitant to keep him around. However, his previous years with the Pirates, where he posted a solid 3.52 ERA over 113 appearances, made him one of the most intriguing free-agent arms on the market this offseason.
Before 2025, Holderman was a reliable bullpen option for Pittsburgh, appearing in 113 games over two seasons (2023–2024). He was consistently one of the Pirates’ most trusted relievers, posting a 3.52 ERA and providing much-needed stability in high-leverage situations. Holderman’s success was powered by his strong 97–100 mph sinker, paired with an effective sweeper and cutter, which helped him rack up strikeouts and manage tough situations.
For Cleveland, Holderman’s signing is a low-risk move with the potential for high reward. With a solid track record and a repertoire that can be honed by the Guardians’ strong pitching development staff, Holderman has the chance to reclaim his form and become a key bullpen contributor for the team in 2026.
The Guardians were in need of bullpen depth following their 2025 season, and Holderman’s arrival fills that gap. Cleveland had already bolstered their bullpen with the signing of Connor Brogdon and a few other arms. However, the addition of Holderman offers another potential weapon for the Guardians, especially with his ability to miss bats and limit hard contact when he’s at his best.
Manager Stephen Vogt has emphasized the importance of having a deep, versatile bullpen for the 2026 season. With a combination of power arms and command specialists, Holderman could be a valuable asset in a variety of roles — from middle innings to late‑game situations. Cleveland’s pitching development system, known for its ability to extract maximum value from its pitchers, could be just what Holderman needs to bounce back. As the Guardians prepare for the 2026 season, the bullpen is shaping up to be one of the strongest units on the team. With Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Matt Festa in the fold, Holderman’s signing adds another experienced arm to the mix. Should Holderman return to his 2023–2024 form, he could become an essential piece in Cleveland’s quest for a playoff berth.
Additionally, Holderman retains two minor league options, giving Cleveland the flexibility to move him between the majors and Triple-A if needed. This will allow the Guardians to monitor his progress and make adjustments based on performance throughout the season.
For the Guardians, Holderman’s signing represents a calculated gamble. At just $1.5 million, Cleveland is betting that the righty can return to form and provide substantial value to their bullpen. Given Holderman’s previous success and the Guardians’ strong track record of pitching development, this move could very well prove to be a shrewd one as Cleveland continues to build a competitive roster for 2026.
As the offseason progresses, Cleveland will continue to explore ways to strengthen their pitching staff and lineup, but adding a high‑upside arm like Holderman certainly increases their chances of success. The Guardians are hoping that this signing will help fortify their bullpen, keeping them in contention as the 2026 season unfolds.
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