Guardians trade 26-year old outfielder for Orioles pitcher

The Cleveland Guardians were heading toward a move like this.

Once they designated Jonathan Rodriguez for assignment earlier in the week, it seemed a trade was very much possible.

The trade went down on Sunday. The 26-year old outfielder is going to the Baltimore Orioles.

In return, the Guardians have received minor league pitcher Carter Rustad.

Guardians are trading outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez to the Orioles for minor-league reliever Carter Rustad

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Rodriguez was a third-round pick by Cleveland in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft from Puerto Rico. 

He made it up to the majors for 102 at bats across the past two seasons. Rodriguez batted just .176 with two home runs in that exposure in the major leagues, and he had a negative-1.0 Wins Above Replacement.

The Orioles will see if they can unlock Rodriguez as a righty bat who can do damage against lefty pitchers.

Coming back to Cleveland is Rustad, who was a 15th-round pick out of Mizzou in 2024.

The 6-foot-4, 24-year old reached Double-A last season. Across three minor league levels, he had a 3.23 ERA in 2025.

Rustad has yet to pitch in 2026.

The Guardians seem likely to send him to Double-A, although that hasn't been announced yet.

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