Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Guardians Avoid Arbitration With Playoff Hero, Per Report
Thursday was a busy day for the Cleveland Guardians and all teams across baseball. Many players and organizations agreed on contracts to avoid going to arbitration to settle a salary for the 2025 season.
The Guardians were able to come to terms with OF Lane Thomas, who was one of Cleveland’s playoff heroes during their run in 2024.
Thomas and the Guardians agreed on a one-year $7.825 million deal, per multiple reports.
Lane Thomas and the Guardians have settled on a $7.825 million deal for 2025, per source, avoiding arbitration.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 9, 2025
There were some trade rumors earlier this offseason that the Guardians were fielding calls for the veteran outfielder heading into his last season of team control.
For now, it appears Thomas will be with the Guardians for 2025.
The Guardians initially acquired Thomas at the 2024 trade deadline for a package of minor-league prospects. It took a while for the 29-year-old to settle in with Cleveland, but once he did, Thomas was one of Cleveland’s hottest hitters in their lineup.
Thomas hit .264/.295/.560 in September of last season and caught fire once the playoffs started.
He hit a three-run homer in the first inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers and then a go-ahead grand slam in Game 5 off eventual Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
Both of those plays were some of the top moments from the entire Guardians season.
The Guardians still have plenty of questions regarding their outfield depth, so having Thomas in the equation heading into the season is a big advantage. He very well could be Cleveland’s Opening Day center fielder at the end of March.
Cleveland, OH
14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.
Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.
When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.
Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition
A gun was recovered at the scene.
The incident remains under active investigation.
Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.
65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.
Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.
Read Obit below
MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?
We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.
What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?
Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?
Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?
Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?
1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?
Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
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