News and Notes for Friday, January 31st, 2025
Turns out Pedro Avila cleared waivers and elected free agency. Likely he sees a better shot to make a roster elsewhere, even on an assumed minor-league deal.
Avila is a fairly interchangeable arm but he’s a fun personality and did yeoman’s work for the Guardians in the second half last year, so I’m sad to see him go. But Cleveland almost always knows what they’re doing when it comes to pitching, so I’m sure this is fine.
Max Scherzer signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays. I’d have been happy for him to sign that deal with Cleveland but his injury issues are extensive so I’m not going to complain.
Source confirms: Free-agent RHP Max Scherzer in agreement with Blue Jays on one-year, $15.5M contract, pending physical. First: @JonHeyman
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2025
Jorge Polanco signed back with the Mariners. I was never a fan of bringing him here, so let’s see what Freeman, Arias, Angel Martinez and Juan Brito can offer:
Free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco in agreement with Mariners, pending physical, sources tell me and @Chandler_Rome. Had been Astros target. Mariners acquired him from Twins last January.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2025
Theoretically, we should get final news on how we can watch Guardians games in 2025 soon, according to Paul Hoynes. Apparently, MLB is going to handle the broadcasting.