Guardians DFA Beloved Reliever in Surprise Roster Move
The Cleveland Guardians finalized several offseason roster changes on Tuesday, promoting four players from Akron and Columbus to the 40-man roster. However, one decision stunned fans: popular reliever Nic Enright was not protected and was instead designated for assignment, putting his future with the club in jeopardy.
Enright appeared in 27 games for Cleveland in 2025, posting a 2.03 ERA with two wins, one save, 30 strikeouts, and a 2.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio—numbers that many thought would secure his spot, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding former closer Emmanuel Clase and his legal issues.
The move comes after a turbulent 2025 season that included the Guardians’ Wild Card collapse against Detroit and ongoing bullpen challenges. Although being DFA’d removes Enright from the 40-man roster, it doesn’t necessarily mean his time in Cleveland is over. As MLB.com explains, a DFA gives the team seven days to trade the player, place him on waivers, release him, or—if he clears waivers—assign him outright to the minors.
Given Enright’s production and his well-known perseverance, fans are holding out hope he could return. His inspiring journey—battling Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in December 2022, enduring multiple rounds of treatment, and still managing to make his MLB debut and earn his first save in 2025—helped make him a fan favorite.
Another team could claim him, but whether he stays or goes, Guardians supporters will continue to root for him. Cleveland fans will also be closely watching additional offseason moves as the organization looks to strengthen the roster and stay competitive in a tough American League.
No Comment! Be the first one.