Javy Guerra

Javier Alexis Guerra (born September 25, 1995) is a Panamanian professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Guerra began his career as an infielder, reaching MLB as such in 2018 with the San Diego Padres, before converting to pitching in 2019. He has also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hanshin Tigers.

Professional career Boston Red Sox Guerra signed as a shortstop with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in 2012, coming to terms on a contract calling for a reported signing bonus of $250,000. At the time Guerra drew mixed reviews for his defense because he had fringy speed, but he showed a very quick first step and excellent range to both sides. He had very soft but quick hands and was assured in the field, which complemented his arm, perhaps the strongest in the Red Sox system.

Guerra made his professional debut with the Rookie league Dominican Summer League Red Sox in 2013, hitting .248/.356/.290 with nine doubles and 23 runs batted in in 60 games. He then played for the Rookie league Gulf Coast Red Sox in 2014, batting .269/.286/.408 with two home runs and 26 RBI in the Gulf Coast League. On defense, he made 27 errors at shortstop, and had a .954 fielding percentage. Guerra spent 2016 with the High-A Lake Elsinore Storm, where he batted .202/.264/.325 with nine home runs and 41 RBIs in 105 games, as on defense he made 30 errors at shortstop and had a .940 fielding percentage.

He spent 2017 with Lake Elsinore and the Double-A San Antonio Missions, batting .222/.266/.349 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs in 128 games between both teams. He began 2018 with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, for whom he batted .223/.269/.398 in 122 games. Through 2018, in 582 minor league games, he had batted .237/.290/.374, while playing nearly all the games at shortstop.

Guerra was called up to the majors for the first time on May 4, 2018 and made his MLB debut that night. In 16 at-bats in 2018 with the Padres, he batted .125 with one RBI.

Conversion to pitcher During 2019 spring training, Guerra was converted from a shortstop to a relief pitcher. Guerra opened the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury. After being activated, he was assigned to Lake Elsinore. He was promoted to the Amarillo Sod Poodles on August 20. On September 1, Guerra was promoted to the major leagues as a pitcher for the first time.

In 2020, Guerra pitched to a 1-0 record with a 10.13 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 13.1 innings of work across 14 appearances. On April 5, 2021, Guerra was placed on the 60-day injured list with a grade 1 UCL sprain. On September 21, Guerra was activated off of the injured list.

On April 13, 2022, Guerra was designated for assignment by the Padres following the waiver claim of Kyle Tyler. He had allowed four runs in 2 innings pitched two days prior against the Arizona Diamondbacks, his only appearance for the Padres in 2022.

Tampa Bay Rays On April 16, 2022, the Padres traded Guerra to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. He pitched to an 8.44 ERA across six appearances for the Rays before he was designated for assignment on May 1. On May 6, Guerra cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Durham Bulls. He was promoted back to the active roster on June 30. Guerra was returned to Triple-A on July 4. He had his contract selected once more on September 12. On November 15, Guerra was designated for assignment.

Milwaukee Brewers On November 18, 2022, the Rays traded Guerra to the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named later. He made 8 appearances for Milwaukee in 2023, struggling to an 8.64 ERA with 5 strikeouts in innings pitched. On April 24, 2023, Guerra was designated for assignment by Milwaukee following the promotion of Alex Claudio.

Tampa Bay Rays (second stint) On April 29, 2023, Guerra was traded back to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. In 6 appearances for the Rays, Guerra surrendered 2 runs across 5 innings pitched (3.60 ERA), walking 9 and striking out 4. On May 14, Guerra was designated for assignment. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Durham Bulls on May 17. On July 8, the Rays selected Guerra back to the major league roster. In 3 games for Tampa Bay, he allowed three earned runs on three hits and four walks. On July 19, Guerra was again designated for assignment. On October 9, Guerra elected free agency.

Hanshin Tigers On November 18, 2023, Guerra signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He made 59 appearances for the Tigers in 2024, compiling a 1-4 record and 1.55 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 14 saves over 58 innings of work.

Guerra made six appearances for Hanshin during the 2025 campaign, but struggled to an 0-1 record and 13.50 ERA with four strikeouts across innings pitched. He became a free agent following the season.

Atlanta Braves On January 2, 2026, Guerra signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. In 16 games for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, he logged a 5.68 ERA and 17 strikeouts across innings pitched. Guerra was released by the Braves on June 11.

Chicago White Sox On June 13, 2026, Guerra signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. In 10 games with Triple-A Charlotte Knights he threw 11.2 innings of relief going 0-2 with a 3.09 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 2 saves. He was released on August 8.

International career On August 13, 2022, Guerra was to the Panama national baseball team roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, played at Estadio Nacional Rod Carew in Panama City. He pitched for Panama in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, earning a save and not allowing a run in 2 appearances.