Blue Jays: Release Valera, Anderson Clears Waivers

As the offseason continues to push on, the Blue Jays announced Tuesday evening that utility infielder Breyvic Valera was released, while recently acquired Shaun Anderson had cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

The Blue Jays clear two spots on the 40-man roster after Breyvic Valera was released and Shaun Anderson cleared waivers and assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Valera was acquired by the Blue Jays during the final month of the 2020 season and got into five games that year, collecting four hits, including one home run in 15 at-bats. That offseason, he was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres, however, just prior to the COVID shortened season beginning the Blue Jays picked him up again off waivers, but he did not get into any games with the Jays that season.

Valera cleared waivers to start the 2021 campaign and was assigned to the Buffalo Bisons where he posted a slash line of .313/.406/.460 through 41 games which earned him a spot on the Blue Jays roster in late July.  Valera capitalized on some injuries to the club and was able to stay in the big leagues for the remainder of the season.

During the final month of the season, Valera got into 16 games and posted a slash line of .293/.375/.463 with five extra-base hits and 12 RBI, which would have likely helped him earn an invite to Spring Training by a major league team next season that could use some versatility.  However, Sportnet’s Hazel Mae reported that Valera would be signing with a foreign professional team.  Defensively speaking, Valera played both second and third base this past season, but has also had time at shortstop in the past.

Anderson was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays almost two weeks ago and split time between Minnesota, Baltimore and San Diego this past season.  In total, 27 year old right-handed pitcher threw 18.2 innings and posted a 9.16 ERA.

The two moves gives the team two extra spots on the 40-man roster.  The Blue Jays also announced that they tendered contracts to each of their players they have under control that don’t currently have contracts.

Do you think Valera could have found a spot on a Major League team?