Cody Bolton Let Go by Guardians, Clears Waivers
Right-handed pitcher Cody Bolton is now a free agent after being designated for assignment and subsequently going unclaimed on waivers by the Cleveland Guardians. The organization had placed Bolton on waivers following his recent struggles on the mound, both in the major and minor leagues. With no team opting to claim him, Bolton has been officially released and will now look for a new opportunity elsewhere in professional baseball.
Bolton, 26, joined the Guardians earlier in the season in hopes of bolstering their pitching depth. However, his stint with the team was brief and largely unsuccessful. He made just one appearance for the big-league club, which came on April 28. In that outing, Bolton pitched two innings but struggled to keep opposing hitters in check, allowing three earned runs. That performance led to concerns about his effectiveness at the major league level, and the Guardians decided to move in a different direction shortly afterward.
Following his MLB appearance, Bolton was optioned back to the minors where he had a chance to work on his mechanics and regain form. Unfortunately, the results weren’t much better. Over six innings pitched in the minor leagues, Bolton posted a 6.00 ERA, again failing to establish any consistency. With the Guardians facing a roster crunch and needing more reliable arms in their system, the team ultimately made the decision to designate him for assignment.
When a player is designated for assignment, it opens a seven-day window during which they can be traded, released, or placed on outright waivers. In Bolton’s case, no other team placed a claim on him, which is often an indication that there wasn’t enough interest or confidence from rival clubs in his recent performance or potential upside. As a result, the Guardians opted to release him, making him a free agent and allowing him to explore other opportunities on the open market.
Bolton’s current situation is a stark contrast to the promise he once showed earlier in his career. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the sixth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Bolton spent several years developing in their minor league system. He was considered a solid prospect, especially after a strong showing in Double-A where he demonstrated good velocity and command.
However, his trajectory was significantly impacted by injuries, including a knee issue that cost him the entire 2021 season. Since then, he has struggled to regain the form that once made him a notable name in the Pirates’ farm system. The missed development time and inconsistency have made it difficult for him to stick on a major league roster.
Despite these challenges, Bolton still possesses qualities that could make him attractive to teams in need of pitching depth. He has shown in the past that he can generate strikeouts and induce ground balls, two traits that are valuable in relief roles. At just 26 years old, he also still has time to turn things around and prove he can contribute at the highest level.
It remains to be seen where Bolton will land next, but teams with thin pitching staffs or those looking for reclamation projects may be willing to give him a shot on a minor league deal. For Bolton, the key will be finding the right fit where he can work closely with a pitching coach to refine his mechanics and rebuild his confidence.
In the ever-changing landscape of Major League Baseball, players like Bolton often face uphill battles to establish themselves. While the latest chapter in his career may be disappointing, his journey is far from over. The coming weeks will likely determine his next stop as he looks to revive his career and return to the majors.
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