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Guardians just signed most underrated reliever left on market and fans are confused

Another day, another free agent reliever signing with the Guardians

After bringing in Justin Bruihl in a trade with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, the Guardians signed free agent reliever Shawn Armstrong to a one-year, $5.5 million, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a mutual option, sources tell ESPN. Armstrong, 35, was one of the most effective RP in MLB this year, with batters hitting .157 over 74 innings.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 18, 2025

The move serves as a reunion for Armstrong, who previously pitched with Cleveland from 2015 to ‘17 before being traded to the Mariners.