The Cleveland Guardians have built a solid reputation as a powerhouse in pitching, consistently crafting rotations that challenge even the toughest hitters. However, every team has its share of miscalculations, and the Guardians recently experienced that firsthand with Cody Bolton, a right-handed pitcher they acquired from the Seattle Mariners this past April. The deal, which involved sending cash considerations to Seattle, ultimately turned out to be a swing and a miss.
However, Cleveland’s hopes for Bolton quickly fizzled. After being designated for assignment late last month, the Guardians have made the decision to release him. This decision sheds light on the growing frustration within the organization as they continue their quest for stability in the pitching department.
Bolton’s brief stint with the Guardians included just one major-league appearance in late April, where he faced challenges right out of the gate, allowing three runs on four hits in two innings of work against the Minnesota Twins. His time in Triple-A with Columbus offered little reassurance, as he posted two runs on four hits over four relief innings.
Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the sixth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Bolton made his big-league debut in 2023. Unfortunately, it was a rocky start; in 16 appearances out of the bullpen, he recorded a concerning 6.33 ERA along with a staggering WHIP of 2.109. The ensuing offseason saw him land in Seattle, where he managed a slightly better 4.34 ERA across 17 relief outings in 2024.
While Bolton boasts a respectable 3.39 ERA in the minors, his struggles with control have been apparent, as reflected in a less-than-stellar 2.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio throughout his minor league career. This inconsistency made it clear that he did not present the solution Cleveland has been hunting for in their starting rotation, especially given that he has yet to make a start in the majors.
As the Guardians look to shore up their pitching staff moving forward, this latest chapter serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of player development and the ongoing search for the right fit within a competitive league.
