Barria was released by the Guardians last week to pursue an opportunity overseas and will take his talents to Korea in an effort to rebuild his long-term value. The 27-year-old righty has made 134 appearances (62 starts) in the big leagues, all of them for the Angels, dating back to 2018.

The 27-year-old right-hander is close to signing with a club in the Korea Baseball Organization, which is why the Guardians let him out of his minor league deal. Barria registered a 4.81 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a 27/6 K/BB ratio across 24 1/3 innings during his time at Triple-A Columbus.

Barria heads to Cleveland to compete in spring training for a spot on the Guardians’ season-opening roster. The 27-year-old right-hander struggled to a lackluster 5.68 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 62/30 K/BB ratio across 82 1/3 innings (34 appearances, six starts) this past season for the Angels. He’ll likely operate in a versatile swingman-type role for Cleveland this upcoming season.

Barria, 27, refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Salt Lake, deciding instead to take his chances on the open market. The right-hander made 34 appearances (six starts) for the Angels during the 2023 season — posting an underwhelming 5.68 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and a 62/30 K/BB ratio over 82 1/3 innings. Given his versatility, there should be teams interested in him in a swingman type of role — at least on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.