A bold transformation reshapes the report: Justin Bruihl is moving from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Cleveland Guardians, a swap that opens a roster space by releasing 2024 postseason standout Jhonkensy Noel.
TORONTO — The Guardians acquired left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl in a midweek deal with the Blue Jays, while Toronto cleared a spot by designating Jhonkensy Noel for assignment. Cleveland also sent cash to Toronto as part of the trade.
Noel had been in the spotlight for his ALCS moments, notably a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning off Luke Weaver in Game 3 against the Yankees. Cleveland won that game 7-5, thanks to David Fry’s 10th-inning homer. In the 2024 season, Noel posted a .162 average with six homers and 13 RBIs across 69 games, and his two-year Guardians totals sit at a .193 average with 19 homers and 41 RBIs in 136 games.
Bruihl, 28, was designated for assignment by Toronto on Monday to create a roster opening for reliever Tyler Rogers, who agreed to a $37 million, three-year deal. Bruihl logged a 5.27 ERA over 15 relief appearances this season. Across his career, his relief work spans 92 appearances with a 4.72 ERA while with the Dodgers (2021–23), the Rockies (2023), the Pirates (2024), and the Blue Jays (2025).
This move signals Cleveland’s ongoing adjustments as it reshapes its bullpen with a mix of veteran experience and younger arms, while Toronto pivots to new bullpen dynamics with the Rogers signing.
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