The Cleveland Guardians continue to bolster their pitching depth as they look ahead to the 2025 season. Recognizing the importance of strong pitching in their postseason aspirations, the team made a low-risk move by signing right-handed pitcher Luis Frías to a minor league contract on Thursday. The deal also includes an invitation to MLB spring training, where Frías will compete for a spot on the roster.
Frías, 26, spent parts of last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays. In his MLB career, which began in 2021, he has logged 61 innings, but his results have been underwhelming with a 7.38 ERA. Known for his ability to generate strikeouts, Frías has struggled with control, issuing an alarming 6.79 walks per nine innings—an unsustainable rate at the big league level.
Despite the struggles, the Guardians are hopeful that their reputation for developing young pitching talent can help Frías harness his potential. With a fastball that can reach 97-98 mph, Frías possesses the raw tools to potentially become a useful reliever with the right development.
The Guardians’ signing comes with minimal risk. If Frías doesn’t pan out, the team can easily move on without significant consequences. However, the upside could prove valuable if the Guardians are able to refine his skills and help him become a contributing arm in the bullpen.
