Angels Free Agent Reliever Signs With American League Squad

Former Angels pitcher signs with a new team

After spending six years with the Los Angeles Angels, former starting pitcher turned relief pitcher Jaime Barria has found a new team.

According to Ken Rosenthal, Barria and the Cleveland Guardians agreed to a minor-league deal for the former Angel.

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

At the beginning of the offseason, Barria was outrighted by the Angels and elected to hit free agency for the first time in his career. He is now the seventh pitcher to come off the board in this year's free agency.

In his first season with the Angels in 2018, Barria showed a lot of promise as a young pitcher that looked like he could be a decent back end of the rotation piece as he went 10-9 with a 3.41 ERA and 98 strikeouts.

Unfortunately, throughout his career, Barria struggled to find consistency as a starter which ultimately resulted in him pitching as a reliever.

Last season, Barria had his worst year yet with the Angels pitching with a 2-6 record, a 5.68 ERA and having a 2.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

At the beginning of last year, it seemed that Barria might've found his 2018 magic as he pitched with a 2.76 ERA in April and a 0.51 ERA in May. 

Unfortunately for him and the Angels, he would begin to decline, especially after the All-Star break. 

As the Angels were dealing with injuries throughout the 2023 season, he suddenly found himself working in a starters role and struggled to produce as he held a 0-2 record, a 10.29 ERA, and issued 14 walks.

Although Barria is on a minor league deal, he could be a name that makes it on the Guardians opening day roster likely in a relievers role.