Guardians sign Italian RHP Ettore Giulianelli, a 6'3" flamethrower with a rare screwball and 14.0 K/9 upside but extreme walk issues. For bettors: avoid backing Cleveland bullpen totals until spring; Giulianelli could be a promising longshot for K props or late-season reliever markets if command improves.
Guardians Add Italian Power Arm Ettore Giulianelli
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians bolstered their pitching depth by signing Italian right-hander Ettore Giulianelli to a minor-league contract. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect stands out for a heavy fastball that has touched about 98 mph and an unusual secondary pitch: the screwball, a rarity in modern professional baseball.
The Screwball Spotlight
Unlike common breaking pitches, the screwball moves opposite a slider or curveball, creating unique deception—especially against left-handed hitters. That pitch helped Giulianelli draw attention in showcases and generated internet buzz, but its novelty comes with developmental risk and mechanical concerns.
Performance Profile: Strikeouts vs. Control
Giulianelli’s numbers show elite swing-and-miss ability but alarming command issues. In the Florida Complex League he struck out 34 in 19 innings (exceptional K rate) but issued 23 walks. At Single-A Palm Beach he posted 39 strikeouts in 25 innings versus 31 walks, producing a 3.96 ERA but an 11.2 BB/9. Those peripherals signal a high-upside reliever if projection and control can be fixed.
Why Cleveland Is Willing to Gamble
The Guardians have a reputation for developing pitchers and frequently target high-upside arms with raw tools. That organizational track record explains the low-risk signing: a minor-league deal lets Cleveland try to refine mechanics and command without committing roster capital. If he harnesses his control, Giulianelli profiles as a late-inning strikeout option; if not, he remains a lottery ticket in the minors.
What This Means for the Guardians’ Bullpen Picture
The offseason has seen Cleveland add multiple right-handed relievers, creating competition for spring and depth roles. Giulianelli is more likely to begin in minor-league camp with the potential to appear in spring exhibitions. The club’s strategy appears to be building a deep reliever pipeline and letting performance decide who rises to the major-league pen.
Betting Implications
Punters should be cautious on Guardians bullpen totals and reliever ERA futures early in spring. Giulianelli’s elite K ability makes him attractive for strikeout props, but his walk rate raises risk for saves/holds or low ERA outcomes. Consider low-cost longshot bets on late-season bullpen emergence markets rather than backing season-long bullpen efficiency until command data from camp arrives.
Carlos Hernández: Injury Update From Offseason Accident
Pitcher Carlos Hernández suffered severe injuries in a reported car accident while playing winter ball in Venezuela, with reports of a fractured left arm and a fractured right femur. Hernández’s recovery will keep him out of immediate competition and remove one depth option for the organization until he rehabs.
MLB Market Move: Alex Bregman Joins the Cubs
Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, a splash that reshapes the National League Central outlook. The addition bolsters Chicago’s lineup and makes the Cubs clear contenders in the division, tightening the market for rival clubs and altering trade/free-agent strategies across MLB.
Ripple Effects on Free-Agent Market
With Bregman off the board, attention shifts to remaining high-profile free agents such as Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger. Teams weighing long-term contracts may use Bregman’s deal as a benchmark, while clubs like Boston could pivot to other middle-infield or offensive upgrades, including interest in players such as Bo Bichette.
Remembering a Local Sports Voice
The community also mourns the recent passing of longtime sports columnist Bill Livingston, remembered for decades of candid, opinion-driven coverage and a deep connection to Cleveland sports. His work left a lasting imprint on local sports journalism.
Bottom Line
Ettore Giulianelli is a classic high-risk, high-reward signing: electric stuff and a rare pitch make him intriguing, but the extreme walk rates are a major obstacle. For bettors, the prudent approach is to wait for spring training command samples before wagering on Cleveland’s bullpen performance, while keeping an eye on small-value strikeout or late-season reliever-upside markets.
Key Free Agent Pitcher Pirates Are Sleeping On
Ettore Giulianelli brings 98 mph heat and a disappearing screwball to Cleveland's vaunted pitching factory, but can they fix his alarming control issues?
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