Avila heads overseas in an effort to bolster his long-term value after being removed last month from Cleveland’s 40-man roster. The 28-year-old righty was a durable workhorse last year for the Guardians, compiling a respectable 3.25 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 73/30 K/BB ratio across 74 2/3 innings (50 appearances). It’s possible he’ll convert back to a starting role overseas in Japan.

The 28-year-old hurler had been sent outright to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians, but Avila rejected the outright assignment and will hit the free agent market instead. He did a nice job for the Guardians in 2024 — posting a 3.25 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and a 73/30 K/BB ratio across 74 2/3 innings in his 50 appearances. He shouldn’t have trouble landing on his feet elsewhere.

It’s perplexing that Avila went unclaimed on waivers after posting a solid 3.25 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 73/30 K/BB ratio across 74 2/3 innings (50 appearances) last year in his Guardians debut. The 28-year-old righty will head to Triple-A Columbus as extra relief depth, but should factor into Cleveland’s relief mix in short order.

Avila gets the boot from Cleveland’s 40-man roster to free up a spot for veteran high-leverage relief arm Paul Sewald. The 28-year-old righty was a revelation last year for the Guardians, posting a strong 3.25 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 73/30 K/BB ratio across 74 2/3 innings (50 appearances). He’s a virtual lock to be claimed off waivers in the coming days.