What Will Brennan's Departure Means for the Cleveland Guardians

Will Brennan was a perfect example of the Guardians turning prospects into big leaguers, but following a strugglesome 2025 filled with injuries, the two sides parted ways this past offseason.

Cade Cracas

8 minutes ago

It's a sad day for those who love prospects turned big-leaguers.

Following an illustrious minor league career, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Will Brennan never quite panned out with the major league roster. Following a 2025 campaign that was riddled by injuries, Brennan and the Guardians parted ways.

And on Sunday, Feb. 15, it was officially announced Brennan found a new team to join. He signed a one-year, major league contract with the San Francisco Giants.

So, what does this mean for the Guardians, and why did Brennan and Cleveland not reunite?

The Guardians Moving On

This move shouldn't be terribly surprising on paper.

When evaluating the Guardians' roster heading into 2026, they don't have much room for questionable, aging outfielders. They still have one in Nolan Jones, who they made sure to lock down for at least one more season, but other than him, the rest of the group consists of young guys getting a chance to show their worth.

The Opening Day lineup is expected to see two of either prospects Chase DeLauter and George Valera, or the veteran Jones, sporting the outfield positions next to Steven Kwan in left field. They also have David Fry and CJ Kayfus, both of whom can spend time in the outfield.

The front office has talked all offseason about how they want to prioritize the prospects in 2026. If they had resigned Brennan, it would've contradicted that sentiment and instead crowded the position group.

Brennan was a simple case of injuries derailing any sort of comeback in Cleveland; as if he had been healthy in 2025, he could've earned another year with the club.

Brennan's Future

Getting a fresh start is always good for a player like Brennan.

Following a tough 2025 season where he just couldn't get back out onto the diamond, getting healthy and beginning with a new team should allow him to regain his confidence.

Back in 2024, he was one of the Guardians' better outfielders, recording a slashing line of .264/.309/.388 for an OPS of .697. Before dealing with other injury problems that season, he slashed .256/.314/.415, showing that when healthy, he was above-average in effectiveness at the plate.

Yes, his power was never really there, but he consistently found a way to impact games with clutch knocks and the ability to get on base. He very rarely struck out, as through over 350 plate appearances, he struck out just 48 times and walked 19.

If he's able to become the Giants' go-to pitch-eater and start to develop a bit more reliability in the power department, he has a chance to carve out a nice role for himself in MLB.

A perfect example of a fresh start paying off is Jones in Colorado, where he developed into one of the most productive hitters on the roster.

The focus shifts to Brennan, and whether he can turn a change of scenery into a resurgence rather than the beginning of a downward trend in his career.

For now, the Guardians will continue to look for the next Brennan-type story: a player who lights it up in the minors, draws eyes and earns a promotion. This time, though, the team will hope the player lasts a bit longer and ends up becoming a staple in the navy blue and red.

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Padres' Manny Machado praises team's Saturday signings

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 12:07 PM ET

he San Diego Padres had a busy Valentine’s Day, and it had nothing to do with hearts, roses or chocolate candies.

Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller was busy dishing out contracts, signing veterans Nick Castellanos, Griffin Canning and German Marquez to one-year contracts to deepen the roster.

Preller, who has been the Padres president of baseball operations and general manager since 2021, is in the last year of his contract with the team and has not yet received an extension. The Padres are for sale (listed for $3 billion), which could be why Preller has not received an extension.

However, after adding all this depth, Preller received a healthy bit of praise from third baseman Manny Machado.

"I mean, talk about getting a $20 million player [Castellanos] for pennies on the dollar," Machado said, via reporter Marty Caswell. "I think that kind of deserves, deserves like extension for A.J. [Preller], you know, with, you know, payroll flexibility, and, you know, getting a $20 million player for nothing, you know, I think that's kind of a win, win for everybody here in this clubhouse."

Machado and Castellanos have known each other since they were kids growing up in Miami, Fla., which could make for an interesting pairing and help in the clubhouse. Castellanos had faced harsh criticism for his attitude and behavior while with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Manny Machado’s relationship with Nick Castellanos could help get the most out of him
Known as the de facto leader of the Padres, Machado isn’t afraid to speak his mind and won’t allow what is being alleged against Castellanos (drinking a beer in the dugout) to fly. Having that relationship that spans back to their childhood brings with it a level of respect that should help the Padres succeed.

Castellanos already received a warm welcome from Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill, saying he’s "excited to see Castellanos’s vibe."

I mean, Nick [Castellanos] can be himself, and he can do whatever he wants in our clubhouse," Merrill said, via Caswell. "That's, that's his personal choice. I think what he did in the other clubhouse [Philadelphia] has nothing to do with us, and I don't think it's going to carry over either. I think he's going to come in here and we're all going to look at him as a new human being. You know, I don't really care or dive into the deep like what he did or over there, because I was the Phillies and won the San Diego Padres. So you know, I'm just happy to have him in a new clubhouse, see his vibe and see what he does to help us [the Padres]."

With a change of scenery, a welcoming environment and a familiar face in Machado, it’s not out of the question that Castellanos returns to being the All-Star and MVP candidate he once was.

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