MLB free agency is underway, and the Cleveland Guardians are already making moves to improve the roster for next season. On Friday, the club managed to acquire an infielder who was previously traded away from the organization in 2024.
Reports indicate that the Guardians claimed infielder Jose Tena off waivers from the Washington Nationals, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic. The Nationals designated the 25-year-old for assignment on November 2. He now heads back to Cleveland after playing the past two and a half seasons with the Nationals.
“The Guardians claimed infielder and old friend Jose Tena from the Nationals. They traded him to the Nationals in 2024 for Lane Thomas.”
Tena appeared in a career-high 114 games for the Nationals last season, mainly playing as a designated hitter (58 appearances). Washington spread the four-year veteran around the field defensively, as he played two or more games at second base, third base, and in the outfield. Offensively, Tena finished the campaign with 57 hits, seven home runs, and 25 RBIs through 257 at-bats, giving him a .222 batting average and .302 OBP.
Article Continues BelowThe Dominican Republic native heads back to Cleveland with a chance to serve as a depth piece in the infield. The Guardians already have star-caliber talent in key areas, with Jose Ramirez at third base and Travis Bazzana at second. Additionally, shortstop Brayan Rocchio was a solid contributor, along with first baseman David Fry.
The Guardians are coming off a 2026 campaign that ended in a 4-2 series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS. We'll see how the front office navigates the rest of the offseason in preparation for 2027.