REPORT: Guardians Sign Free Agent Pitcher To Minor League Deal

The Cleveland Guardians reportedly signed RHP Jaime Barria to a minor-league deal.

Free agency has officially started for our Cleveland Guardians!

The organization hasn't made a blockbuster move yet, but they did come to terms with one of the free-agent pitchers on the market. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Cleveland had reached a minor-league deal with right-handed pitcher Jaime Barria.

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

Barria, 27, was signed by the Los Angeles Angels organization as a free agent back in 2013. He didn't debut until the 2018 season, and spent the next six bouncing between the Major and Minor Leagues. 

In that time, he appeared in 134 games (62 starts), posting a career 4.38 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. The righty appeared in 34 games (six starts) in 2023 and saw his ERA jump to 5.68, which is the second-highest of his career. 

Aug 6, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jaime Barria (51) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Barria was outrighted by the Angels and granted free agency on October 16.

The numbers obviously don't jump off the page as being Cy Young-level. However, Cleveland still has a reputation as being one of the best organizations at developing pitching. 

Perhaps they see something in Barria that they believe can help him become an effective Big League pitcher. If anything, this is another arm that can help eat innings at some point throughout the season if the deal is ever converted into a Major League contract.

Pitching depth throughout an organization is real. Cleveland may have been looking to recuperate some of that after they promoted Logan Allen, Tanner Bibee, and Gavin Williams to the Big League level during the 2023 season.