CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians’ front office faced tough decisions ahead of the Rule 5 draft roster deadline, choosing to protect just four prospects while leaving several intriguing names exposed to the other 29 MLB teams. This calculated risk could result in significant talent departing the organization when the Rule 5 draft takes place at the winter meetings next month.

The list of unprotected players includes some surprising names, with Milan Tolentino perhaps being the most eye-catching. The son of a former major leaguer, Tolentino experienced a power breakthrough in 2025, smashing 21 home runs while advancing to Triple-A Columbus after never hitting more than 10 homers in any previous professional season.

“Tolentino hit 16 home runs at Columbus last year. Trenton Denholm, a pitche

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