The Indians have released veteran reliever Joba Chamberlain, according to the team’s official transactions page. MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reports (Twitter link) that Chamberlain elected to become a free agent rather than an accept an outright assignment to the minors. Cleveland designated Chamberlain for assignment earlier this week.
Chamberlain posted a 2.25 ERA in 20 innings out of the Tribe’s bullpen this season, though ERA predictors (3.83 FIP, 4.27 xFIP, 4.35 SIERA) weren’t as impressed with the right-hander’s work. Chamberlain benefited from a .216 BABIP and he had some control issues, as evidenced by a 4.95 BB/9. Still, the 30-year-old posted an 8.10 K/9 and 52.9% grounder rate, and was still averaging 93.4 mph on his fastball.
It was exactly one year ago that Chamberlain was released by the Tigers, and he has since pitched for the Blue Jays (in the minors), Royals and Indians in that timeframe. Despite his rather up-and-down track record as a reliever, Chamberlain’s 2016 numbers and past status as one of the game’s top prospects make him a pretty good bet to catch on with another team in need of bullpen help. Chamberlain guaranteed himself a $1MM salary for 2016 (plus $2MM in incentives) by making Cleveland’s roster, so the Tribe will be on the hook for the approximately $460K still owed, while another team can sign Chamberlain for just a prorated minimum salary.
The fact that the Indians released Joba just speaks volumes regarding their pitching depth- Joba could be a fantastic addition to any team.
I think he will easily find a major league gig.
Really hoping Joba would of accepted the minors assignment. Indians needed fresh arms after the 19-inning marathon in Toronto. Joba got caught in a numbers game unfortunately. Joba can help a playoff contender for depth/middle relief role.
Interesting that a player with only 420,000 left on his contract would go thru release waivers unclaimed, if he is so likely to find a job with a contender. There must be more to it.
I have seen many games this year and he and Gorzelanny were not impressive. They both had command issues. I hope the Tribe goes out and gets a few more arms for the bullpen.
I would have to think this makes sense for the White Sox with Petricka/Webb out for the season and Putnam on the DL. Robertson could soon be next. Chamberlain HAS to be better than Kahnle.
That is exactly what I was thinking. Considering the fact we’ve been using guys like Chris Beck, Michael Ynoa, Matt Purke and not to mention our injuries (Putnam, Webb, Petricka). This makes almost too much sense.
Cmon, Rick! This is the zero cost acquisition that we need for our pen.
Forgot to mention your worst RP too
Fat Albers
In situations like this I always wonder about character issues.
He has always been a hot mess personally…
He has. I’m not suggesting he violated a team rule. It just makes me think of how many times a player has been traded/released because of non baseball related issues.
The Whitey Herzog trade of Keith Hernandez seemed to be baffling….but later, come to find out, Herzog was trying to rid the team of coke users.
I doubt Joba got released specifically because of personality issues but you can see where, if it were an issue, depth plus his command issues might look worse because of any off-field issues.
Angels… Angels… Angels…
Even though there is a lot of Interleague exposure, Might make sense for Joba to consider a national league team if an opportunity presents itself.
Hopefully Detroit picks him back up
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Next you’ll want Papa Grande back! Then Phil f%$#$%g Coke! We don’t need Joba. We already have Mark Lowe! Ones enough.
Dude looks like a depressed puppy in that photo…. But anyway he should find a job easy. He pitched very well for Cleveland and I was surprised he was DFA’d
CUBS