The Cleveland Guardians announced they signed Jaime Barria to a Minor League contract for the 2024 season. The right-handed last pitched with the Los Angeles Angels, where he spent the first six years of his big league career.
Barria was non-tendered by the Angels in mid-October, alongside Jared Walsh and Brett Phillips. He endured a rough 2023 campaign, logging a 5.68 ERA, 1.47 WHIP in 82.1 innings pitched (34 games).
He opened the year as a starter, but in the midst of his immense struggles, Barria was shifted to a bullpen role for the remainder of the season. His best performace came in 2022, when he posted a 2.61 ERA in 79.1 innings, a majority of his work coming as a reliever.
It won’t be surprising for the Guardians to find the best in Barria’s potential, with their organizational ability to get the most from a pitcher’s arsenal. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported he’ll join his new team after being granted free agency this past month.
Right-hander Jaime Barria in agreement with Guardians on a minor-league contract, sources tell @TheAthletic. Spent first six seasons with Angels, and was granted free agency last month.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2023
He relies on a four-pitch mix consisting of a slider, changeup, four-seam fastball, and a seldom-used sinker to get inside on right-handed batters. Still at a relatively young age, Barria could be a solid addition that comes with zero risk for the Guardians.
Angels sign Adam Kolarek to one-year deal
Playing in parts of seven season in MLB, Adam Kolarek made his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays. He spent two and a half seasons there before being traded to the Dodgers at the 2019 trade deadline. He excelled as a member of the Dodgers, posting a sub-1.00 ERA in 30.2 innings over the next two seasons.
Kolarek pitched 3.1 innings during the 2020 postseason that saw the Dodgers win the World Series against Kolarek’s former Rays. Kolarek then spent two seasons with the Oakland Athletics in 2021 and 2022.
In seven MLB seasons, Kolarek has a combined ERA of 3.62 over 149.1 innings. He has a 1.246 WHIP, a 4.09 fielding-independent pitching (FIP) and 101 strikeouts.
He joins the Angels on a one-year deal worth a reported $900,000.
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