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During the MLB offseason, players on the periphery of major league rosters often explore free agency instead of remaining with their current clubs. For those who have spent sufficient time in one organization, the option to elect free agency arises—essentially declining another contract offer and testing the open market.
That path led the Cleveland Guardians to lose a middle infield prospect on Tuesday. According to Guardians Prospective, Jose Devers has elected free agency. It is important to clarify that this is not the 26-year-old Jose Devers, cousin of Rafael and also an infielder. This is the younger Devers who was in the Guardians' system and has not yet reached the major leagues.
Guardians Lose Jose Devers
A Cleveland system already crowded with infielders is now losing the 23-year-old Devers to free agency. Devers originally signed with the Guardians as a teenage international free agent from the Dominican Republic and has played at Rookie-Ball, Single-A, High-A, and Double-A.
In 2026, Devers spent the season at Double-A Akron and recorded his best professional batting average. He hit .270 with seven doubles, four triples, and two home runs in 83 games. He also stole 10 of 14 bases and posted a .693 OPS. Defensively, Devers played second base, third base, and shortstop for Akron, demonstrating versatility.
The Guardians, who could have pushed to retain the infielder if they had chosen, were likely concerned that the small-framed Devers has never developed significant power. Additionally, he ended the season on the 60-day injured list, leaving his immediate future uncertain. All that is certain for now is that Devers is a free agent.
What's Next?
For the Guardians, this move does not greatly impact their offseason. Teams always need to round out minor league depth by Spring Training, but with the impending lockout, there will be time to do that later.
For Devers, it is simply a chance to pursue a new opportunity. He likely recognized that breaking into the majors with Cleveland would not happen soon. If he can find an organization with thinner middle infield depth, Devers may have a better chance to continue climbing the ladder. It is just a small move at the start of a long offseason.
Originally reported by yahoo.