REPORT: Former Guardians Starting Pitcher Zach Plesac Elects Free Agency

After five seasons with Cleveland, 28-year-old starting pitcher Zach Plesac is now a free agent.

Two years removed from a 10-win season with the Cleveland Guardians, starting pitcher Zach Plesac has elected free agency.

The right-hander pitched five seasons with Cleveland, making 84 regular-season appearances (83 starts). He compiled a 26-27 record, with a 4.20 ERA, 359 strikeouts, and a 1.23 WHIP.

Plesac got off to a promising start in his first three MLB seasons, becoming a mainstay in Cleveland’s starting rotation. 

In 54 starts, he went 22-14 with a 3.93 ERA and 245 strikeouts. He also hurled his only career complete game and shutout against the Los Angeles Angels on September 10th, 2019.

However, things took a downward turn in 2022. Plesac made 25 appearances (24 starts), going 3-12 with a 4.31 ERA. Despite these marks, he did pitch a perfect inning of relief in Game Four of the 2022 ALDS against the New York Yankees.

Apr 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Raimel Tapia (17) hits a double against Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Zach Plesac (34) in the fourth inning at Fenway Park.

© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Near the end of the season, he landed on the injured list after allowing a home run and punching the pitcher’s mound out of frustration. Just over a year prior, he injured his pitching thumb when ripping off his shirt after an outing.

This season, Plesac made just five starts for the Guardians. He went 1-1 with a 7.59 ERA and 1.97 WHIP. This performance led to him being optioned to Triple-A Columbus on May 4th. One month later, he was designated for assignment.

However, Plesac was not claimed on waivers, so he accepted outright assignment with Triple-A Columbus for the rest of the season. With the Clippers, the 28-year-old finished 5-6 with a 6.08 ERA and a .268 opposing batting average in 19 appearances (18 starts).

While Plesac seeks his next Major League opportunity, the Guardians are hoping that their younger starting pitching core will build on their historic 2023 season going forward.