Collins elected to become a free agent Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old catcher played in only two major-league games this season with the Guardians and heads to the open market with a career .188/.300/.329 batting line across 465 total plate appearances at baseball's highest level.

Collins cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Collins can elect free agency if he wants, but if he accepts the outright assignment he'll stick around in the Guardians organization as catching depth. The veteran backstop lost his roster spot earlier this week when the club claimed Eric Haase off waivers.

The Guardians designated Collins for assignment Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Collins will cede his spot on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster to Eric Haase, who was claimed off waivers from the Tigers and will replace Collins as the No. 2 catcher behind Bo Naylor. During his abbreviated stay with the Guardians, Collins appeared in two games and went 2-for-4 with a pair of walks. Collins will likely report back to Triple-A Columbus if he clears waivers.

Collins was promoted from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Collins will join a major-league roster for the first time this season. In the majors last year, the catcher hit .155 with a 38 percent strikeout rate in 36 games split between the Blue Jays and Pirates. In Triple-A Columbus this season, he is slashing .255/.364/.437. He will fill in for Cam Gallagher, who heads to the 7-day injured list.

Collins was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

A career .185/.295/.327 with poor defense behind the plate, Collins was always a long shot to break camp in the big leagues. With catcher of the future Bo Naylor waiting for his chance at the Triple-A level, it's hard to see a path for consistent at-bats in Cleveland for Collins.

Collins signed a minor-league contract Thursday with the Guardians which includes an invitation to major-league spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Collins struggled to a .155/.231/.320 batting line in 36 major-league games last season between the Blue Jays and Pirates. The 28-year-old catcher seems unlikely to make the Cleveland's Opening Day roster since he sits firmly behind Mike Zunino and Bo Naylor on the depth chart.

Collins rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis and elected free agency Thursday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Collins was claimed off waivers by the Pirates in September but won't stick with the team through the offseason. He played in 36 games between Toronto and Pittsburgh last season and had a .155/.231/.320 slash line with four home runs and 11 RBI in 108 plate appearances.

Collins was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a non-COVID-19 illness, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Collins was held out of the lineup the past couple days and will now miss the closing stretch of the season due to the ailment. The 27-year-old finishes 2022 with a 1.55/.231/.320 slash line, four home runs and 11 RBI in 36 games between the Pirates and Blue Jays.

Collins isn't starting Saturday against St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

Collins is out of the lineup for a third consecutive game since left-hander Jordan Montgomery is on the mound for the Cardinals. Diego Castillo will take his place at first base and bat sixth.

Collins isn't starting Friday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

After being held hitless in his last 20 at-bats, Collins will retreat to the bench for the second straight game. Ben Gamel will take his place at first base and bat sixth.