Height
6'2"
Weight
225 lbs
Age
35
College
East Carolina
Draft
2011, Rd 18, #548
Experience
11 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsA
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 378 | 3.8060749 | 16-11 | 443 | 1.2359813 | 0.0 | 17 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$5.5M
Guaranteed
$3.3M
AAV
$5.5M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Shawn Armstrong's one-year, $5.5M deal with the Guardians earns a C+ CVI, reflecting a reasonable but unremarkable investment in bullpen depth. The 33-year-old reliever has established himself as a solid middle-relief option over recent seasons, posting respectable peripherals and proving durable across 60-70 appearance campaigns. At $5.5M AAV, Cleveland is paying market rate for an above-average setup man who should contribute roughly 1-2 WAR if he maintains his recent form, though the single-year commitment smartly limits downside risk given Armstrong's age profile. The Guardians' competitive window and historically prudent spending make this a sensible addition to bolster their bullpen without blocking younger internal options from emerging. While Armstrong isn't a difference-maker who moves the needle significantly, he fills a clear organizational need at a price point that aligns with his projected production, making this a competent if unspectacular piece of roster construction.
Performance Analysis
Shawn Armstrong grades as a near-elite performer among MLB relief pitchers, earning a A- Performance grade. He carries a 3.82 ERA (near the league average of 4.20) and a 1.23 WHIP across 421.1 innings pitched with a 9.3 K/9 rate. His 15-11 record with 17 saves provides context on team support and run prevention. A 9.3 K/9 rate indicates above-average swing-and-miss stuff. As a experienced veteran at 35, Shawn is a key contributor for the Guardians. A 371-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 4/7 | vs KC | W 2-1 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Sun, 4/5 | vs CHC | W 6-5 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
News & Buzz
Live Discussion
Auto-moderated fan forum with 5-minute speaker turns
Discussion
Loading discussion...